James Kochalka’s Sketchbook Diaries, Volume Two
July 19th, 2003by James Kochalka
ISBN: damn good question
Kochalka really hits his stride with this second volume of daily sketches. This book probably gives the reader more bang for the buck per square inch of comics than anything else: there is a title page printed on both sides, and everything else, even the inside covers, is diary sketches, all for under eight bucks.
The continuing daily adventures of Magic Boy, Amy, Spandy, and assorted friends are amusing, strange, and recognizably true, sometimes all at once. If you enjoy peeking inside someone else’s head, you will probably like this.
Of course, it will help if the kind of head you want a peek inside of belongs to a quirky, creative type who is more willing than you might expect to shut off an internal editor. The kind belonging to someone who will cut open a can of whip cream to see what that thing knocking around in there really is, who wishes his life mattered a little more but then watches Star Trek Voyager anyway, and is more concerned with bodily fluids and functions than is generally admitted to in public.
Maybe I should be concerned that I identify so much with James Kochalka’s life as presented in his daily sketches, but I am not. In fact, it makes me feel a little less crazy — here is this really talented artist who has freaky little obsessions, fears, and questions just like I do.
Again, I have to say I love Kochalka’s artwork: all black and white, strong lines, lettering that fits just right, cute without being cutesy or annoying (Magic Boy is an elf, but often an elf in need of a shave), and full of energy. Volume One of the diaries was recently reprinted; I would not be surprised if this volume sold out and went into additional printings as well. Highy recommended.
Note: this review also appeared at Four Color Hell.
