|
|
The History Connection - The Alcoholic
|
List Price: $19.99
Our Price: $10.70
Your Save: $ 9.29 ( 46% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Vertigo
|
Average Customer Rating:  
|
|
Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 741
EAN: 9781401210564
ISBN: 1401210562
Label: Vertigo
Manufacturer: Vertigo
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 136
Publication Date: 2008-09-30
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: 2008-09-30
Studio: Vertigo
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spotlight customer reviews:
|
Customer Rating:
Summary: Could also be called The Mid-lifer
Comment:
First, the artwork is competent but stark, a good match for the subject matter. Not something I'd find myself returning to after one go-through, and definitely not something to leave out on the coffee table.
Aside from the main theme indicated by the title of this graphic novel, chances are that when you get to be about the same age as Jonathan A., the main character in The Alcoholic, you're going to have to confront one or more of Jonathan's peripheral concerns : losing your hair (this is apparently a big current worry for Ames) or developing other embarrassing health issues, losing a close childhood friend, losing someone you're convinced is your soul mate,facing tough decisions regarding a beloved elderly relative , worries about your life's legacy ...
Very telling is Jonathan A's chance encounter with Bill Clinton shortly after 9/11. The former president offers a fifteen second sound bite of inspiration, and as his entourage drives off, Jonathan thinks "Take me with you," because he's searching for someone or something that's going to take his hand and guide him out of his problems. We can all use some help now and then, but the reality is, sooner or later we all have issues that only we ourselves can ultimately resolve - and Jonathan A. never really does.
The Alcoholic doesn't end up romanticizing alcoholism or preaching sobriety, nor does it find a lasting solution to any of the main character's other troubles. It just parades one middle aged person's travails and fantasies in front of us, and then it just ends...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Surrender to your artistic side...
Comment: I loved this book. I sat down and read the entire book in one sitting. It is that engaging. I was interested in this book for two reasons - it is Dean Haspiel's art, which I really like, and it's the same type of graphic novel as "The Quitter", Dean's collaboration with Harvey Pekar - a book I read last year.
This is a book and story I think many can identify with quickly, and learn from. No matter what the vice, the entire addiction aspect of the book paints out the same type of person - someone who gets up and says, "today is the day I straighten things out". And it doesn't happen. You never put a stake in the ground and say "this is the point where I've turned everything around and fixed everything wrong in my life."
Even with an unwavering advocate on his side, "Jonathan A." winds up in the most precarious places, some not to be believed, and it's easy whether you've suffered an addiction or not to align with the plights he suffers in the story.
Haspiel's art in the book brings the story closer and makes you care even more about the characters. I'm not a comic book expert by any means - but it's obvious Haspiel is a master of his craft. I'm finding just like music, which I know much better than comic/graphic art, one thing opens doors to several others - this collaboration with Jonathan Ames lays out other books and authors to explore.
This collaboration introduces Haspiel's fans to Ames, and vice versa - and both authors deserve all the positive fruits of their labors.
The art me the icing on the cake, and this story will stick with me for a very long time. A special thanks to Jonathan Ames and Dean Haspiel for sharing this story with me, for all their work, and everything they did to make "The Alcoholic" wind up in my hands. I'm sure they have several projects going at once and I hope Ames and Haspiel always follow their hearts and enjoy what they do. It's obvious they did so here.
If you miss this book, you miss a lot.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not as funny as previous efforts
Comment: I think a lot of long time Jonathan readers will find the Alcoholic a bit repetitive and not nearly as funny as some of his other work. People are likely to argue "yeah, but its not a funny topic" but he's written about dark things before with far more humor and unexpected pathos. Here the pathos were very run of the mill. I don't think his writing is really suited for this format, it was interesting, but ultimatly forgettable for me.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A compelling depiction of additction
Comment: The Alcoholic approaches a serious topic in a very effective and impactful way.
I think/hope that the book exaggerates the affects that addictions can have, providing a little bit of an extreme case to maximize impact. If so I think it is necessary to depict a large number of the experiences that one might face. I don't know what to think if it's not.
I have found that the hardest thing about understanding addiction is visualizing it. Jonathan Ames, writing provides a great backdrop for Dean Haspiel's art, and the combination provides a truly evocative portrayal of addiction. For me the most difficult part is the success of Jonathan (the books protagonist), one cannot help but wonder if Jonathan would have looked for help more aggressively had he not had professional success.
I think that this graphic novel will likely affect you differently if you have experienced something similar yourself, have a family member or friend who has struggled with addiction, or have been lucky enough that you, your friends, and your family have all avoided this pitfall.
Regardless Alcoholic is an educational read and the medium is a fantastic choice for the topic.
The only big detractors are what seemed to be to be attempts of humor that fall flat and detract from the narrative.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Very Graphic Graphic Novel
Comment: Well-done narrative with great illustrations that cover the life of an eccentric, easily-hurt, narcissistic substance-abuser with relationship obsessions that engulf him. Highly recommended !
|
|
|
Editorial Reviews:
|
Acclaimed novelist Jonathan Ames writes his first comics work with the original graphic novel THE ALCOHOLIC, illustrated by THE QUITTER artist Dean Haspiel.
This touching, compassionate, ultimately humorous story explores the heart of a failing writer who's coming off a doomed romance and searching for hope. Unfortunately, the first place his search takes him is the bottom of a bottle as he careens from one off-kilter encounter to another in search of himself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
