Ed, I feel like you were just about to quote John Waters' immortal words of wisdom: “If you go home with somebody and they don't have books, don't fuck 'em.”
Outstanding video as always guys, but then they all are (however this one had that quality that you it was just two guys shooting the shit about something and we’re just flies on the wall listening in, which felt more special than a more planned or scripted review.) To comment on the “barrier to entry” concept for makers, and how Ed noted that Clowes probably made very little income off these issues as they were coming out but was compelled to keep creating them anyway, I can very much relate to this notion. Ed, you also tied this concept to the music industry, and that’s where my experience is. As a kid I wanted nothing more than to pursue a career as a cartoonist, but after seeing how incredibly detailed all the Image guys’ work was, and knowing I’d have to spend decades honing my skills, my dreams started to fade. Then I started playing the drums, got kinda good kinda fast, and found some new friends to start a band. After that first year of playing gigs (‘98-99) I was addicted to the feeling of performing live in front of an audience. My life goal instantly shifted from art to music (although I kept taking art classes just to see what was there) and went to school for a degree in “Music Industry”. During my first semester in ‘99 the professors told us that the industry was changing and that this new thing called “Napster” was ruining the way record labels operated, but that they were still going to teach us the “old ways” even though they were pretty sure the landscape would have changed completely by the time we graduated. Well he was totally right. Remember back in the 20th century when mainstream music COULD BE and often WAS good? It’s very much akin to the “Big 2”. Back in the day Marvel and DC had so much great stuff, but now it’s rare that I pick up more than 1 or 2 new titles a month by those guys. Anyway, I found a job doing something I love that involves music, and we kept writing original music and putting out records ourselves with no label, and toured all around without ever personally profiting from the shows, because I COULDN’T NOT DO IT. After my main band of 9 years broke up in 2012, the remaining members and I started another band and here we are 9 years later and still getting together every Monday night to practice and keep writing. We never stop writing new music yet rarely get to play live, due to the pandemic and the fact that we’re all in our 40’s now. But just like cartoonists, we have that unending urge to create, to see what magic happens when you collaborate with people whose skills you respect. To challenge yourself to make something better than the last time. And when you finally get to perform it or record it, the experience of sharing that with other humans is indescribable. It would be nice if we got to the point that Clowes did where he could sell the original art (text) from the back of Modern Cartoonist for a couple G’s… but I have no doubts that if Eightball didn’t gain the cult following and he didn’t become successful, he’d still be plugging away at it anyway just like I am with my band. ….and thanks for teaching me about Dan Clowes and all the other great guys I missed out on while I was farting around the west coast in “Berthel the Rock Van”.
Holy shit that one tip about wearing a hat at the drawing table is going to change my life. I also have lamps above me and get crazy migraines from having that bright light in my periphery. Definitely trying that next time
My copy is in a picture frame I crack open every year to Humble myself. Having you two review it together with me this year was wonderful! Lots of things to remind myself. Thank you so much for this video.
Will esiner is one example of someone who was very accomplished in their 20s, but later on produced some very groundbreaking work also. Jack Kirby also became more intresting when he was older, but also very accomplished when he was younger.
Great video! It’s true I’ve many friends with shitload of dvd or vhs relics up in the addict /down in the basement etc but have no books or bookcase and I just don’t wanna get bothered with it! Ohh well! Me, I love books and comics books opened the door to literature for me! As always you give me food for thought with a variety of stuff! JRjr interview comes to mind! Thanks again!
Have always loved comic books, still love to dig through the bins and sticking gold( at least in my opinion). Love the channel, interviews and insider info. Keep it up!
Fucking inspiring. One of your best video in months. God bless you guys. By the way I bought every single thing both of you published that is readily available. Also a couple of Tom's. And a Patreon. So you are not doing this for nothing.
Going through the Clowes focused episodes. I love how you guys are insightful and well-versed, but still fanboys! Great stuff, and a nice homage to Dan's work.
Too cool. I need to go back and dig thru my boxes to see if I have this, cuz I forget all about this! You guys are always doing the good work and providing such a diversity of the art form! Kudos!
LOVE this nerd Shit, and from some actual living lifer legends. Amazing channel. and it's great for books like this that I didn't know about from someone who's work I damn near collect. :)
I just finished reading Ghost World just yesterday (didn't much care for it, but Daniel Clowes draws the hell out of it, as always). Hope I can find this zine in the wild someday.
