My boys are very much looking forward to a "Graphic Novel/Comic" class for their upcoming junior year in high school. So I was searching for Scott McCloud related books, when I stumbled across this DVD.
One boy watched it with my wife and I, and we really enjoyed getting to know the people involved, albeit through the selective eye of the camera. The lens work less an issue for us on the small screen for what it's worth.
As time rolls by, a bit of a weariness settles in, not just for the contestants but for us. I found Jacob to be the heart of the film, to me his relationship with David Celsi reminded me of Neil Young always wanting to seek out Crazy Horse. As success rises for one artist, he needs more than a muse, but a kind of unfiltered raw nerve to spark the effort and repel any darkness tat might set in.
As with musicians, and perhaps even more so for cartoonists, trying to find enough business sense to keep the medical and housing bills at bay seems like a daunting challenge. Paul Guinan and the other CalTech guy (sorry forget his name right now, but somehow calling him CalTech guy underscores this notion) need to have a really rational approach to the business of their art.
But that phrase alone "business of art" is oxymoronic at best. And if as a young person you go into any kind of "dream" creative job, these sort of thoughts should be emptied from your pockets (at least till you're 30?!?)
Anyways it was interesting that my other son, who watched the DVD by himself (and not on a Friday night with a nice supportive family vibe) was not at all engaged by this film. Kind of like the event itself, it is surely more fun to watch this film with a few friends.
To me the genius of the 24 hour comic contest, is that it can be a decent business decision (if those involved, and/or hosting it can quick-bake a product out of it), plus for 24 hours, just not thinking about the business end, but just completing a comic (and holding back your inner critic, much less publishers and others) might be a bit of Crazy Horse for all at involved.
Maybe watch this, but for sure check out some of the McCloud series of comics on comics, and his "The Sculptor" was surely not created in 24 hours, but was a nice piece of the teacher showing he's quite a doer as well. His appearance in the film by the way is pretty minimal. Though he helped launch these contests.
I do recommend watching it with some friends, especially your crowd's version of Jacob Mercy.
