Tuesday, February 09, 2010

I love John Porcellino

Did you know that John Porcellino worked in a health food store? Did you know that I work in a health food store? Isn’t that AMAZING? Ok, no, not really but that’s what this is about anyways. If you’re not familiar with Porcellino’s work you should do yourself a favor and check it out. I personally think he is one of the most interesting and powerful cartoonists out there today.


The first thing I ever read of his was Perfect Example. I use the library a lot for comics and I had borrowed every single non-superhero book from my local branch before I would give Porcellino a shot. I was always put off by the art. I thought it looked lazy and pretentious and always kind of looked down on it but it was the only book left so I figured I would try it out… and it blew me away. This book is so human and almost uncomfortably honest. After reading it I think the simplicity in the art amplifies everything in the writing and I don’t think it would work quite as well if it was drawn any other way.


(The top right panel here is one of my favorite panels ever!)


I know a lot of people have false starts with his work, but seriously, give it a chance. I cant recommend John Porcellino high enough!

3 comments:

Matt said...

I've had limited exposure to John's work but everything I've read has been wonderful. Plus, you gotta admire a guy that has stayed D.I.Y. for so long (and draws himself wearing a Black Flag t-shirt). You're tribute comic is aces, too.

Joe Decie said...

I got King Cat 70 in the post just today, John P is a true master.

Sam Spina said...

I just recently got into king cat too, and I actually heard John P give a small lecture on his comics at a tiny comic shop. It was totally inspiring! His stuff is so real.