Michael Vance   Mark Allen   Michael Vance Books
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     "The problem is I have no answers, and neither should a satirist or cartoonist - just complaints, really." ...Ralph Steadman

     Drawing The Line reprints lots of artwork from and interviews with four 'famous' cartoonists, Jules Feiffer, David Levine, Edward Sorel, and Ralph Steadmen.

     Feiffer is best known not for his art but for writing the plays Carnal Knowledge and Little Murders that became movies. Comic book fans will also remember his work on The Spirit newspaper insert that has been re-printed many times in varied formats.

     Sorel, Steadman and Levine are famous for their...uh...er...I had never heard of them before this collection.

     From their reprinted art, it is obvious that these extremely talented men who have graced the editorial pages of newspapers, magazines and books deserve fame and fortune.

     It is also obvious from their interviews that none of them seem to want either. Each embraces some form of socialism that doesn't exist (they despise the forms that do) and each hates capitalism (although cashing the paychecks generated by it).

     In fairness, each seems to hate everything. These are very egocentric, unhappy men.

     They also wanted to change the world at the beginning of their careers. It should look like them, of course.

     Steeped in the traditions of comic books, strips and editorial cartoons, their minimalist art embraces some of the nuances of 'fine' art: Impressionism, Dadaism, surrealism and several other isms. Each style is distinct and dynamic and worth the price of this collection alone.

     The overriding impression left a reader is that these men don't like their lives. These acerbic, politically far-Left interviews will irritate or even anger people who hold different beliefs. Nevertheless, Drawing The Line is highly recommended for its in-depth investigation of the artistic styles and social and political beliefs of these accomplished cartoonists. 

     The Comics Journal Library: Drawing the Line #4/$22.95 and 148 pages from Fantagraphics Books/sold in comics and books stores and at www.fantagraphics.com.

     Review by Michael Vance

    At 37 years of age, I still like "kid stuff."  I stroll through the toys at department stores (sometimes, even before I hit

the electronics dept.).

     I spy some of the new cartoons that make it to television.  And, some of those new DVD sets (classic Looney Tunes, Flintstones, and Johnny Quest, just to name a few) are must-have's.  Is it any wonder that I enjoy, and, perhaps, prefer, all-ages-friendly comics?

     Probably not.  Case-in-point: Batman: Gotham Adventures, which follows in the tradition of the multiple Batman Adventures comics series, and the animated television program, which birthed it all.

     Don't let the "Kids WB" logo fool you; what we have here is Batman at his finest.  At least, as fine as anyone has captured the "total" character.  Dark and brooding, and quite single minded when it comes to his "war on crime," yet, also the reluctant, yet devoted, ward of at least one young partner (Robin), perhaps two (Batgirl).  This particular tome solidifies the "updated" version of the Batman Family to the Batman Adventures universe, with a grown up Dick

Grayson, formerly "Robin," and now "Nightwing," and a new, younger "Robin," Tim Drake.

     It also reminds us what great villains the hero has in The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face, and Mr. Freeze, while casting Catwoman in more of an anti-heroine light.  Two-Face, AKA Harvey Dent, even gets a little added depth though additional background information concerning his father.  This wonderful characterization is thanks to writer Ty Templeton.

     Another large part of what makes this series fun is the energetic and dramatic-yet-"cartoony" art of Rick Burchett. There's a lot to be said for a style that can attract children and adults alike, as Rick's does. If only there was more of it out there!

     Batman: Gotham Adventures is recommended for all ages.  So, let your child, as well as your inner child, read it.

     Batman: Gotham Adventures, published by D.C. Comics, 156 pages, $9.95. Find it at comics shops, comics conventions, and online auctions.

     Review by Mark Allen

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