|
The Sketchbook Diaries Volume 4
“The life which is unexamined is not worth living” Plato
James Kochalka books are small glances into the life of a young comic book artist. He lets us see all the tiny details, both interesting and mundane. He shows the readers that the everyday life of the everyday man is every bit as interesting as the latest adventure that Superman or Spiderman may be having. He shares his life in a manner that is reminiscent of Harvey Pekar, Jeffrey Brown, Joe Sacco and Chester Brown, all great talents in the world of comics. Volume 4 of Kochalka’s “Sketchbook Diaries” series was recently published by Top Shelf Comix.
The Story
As the fourth volume of the series begins, Kochalka writes, “ When life goes by so quickly, it’s difficult to comprehend what’s really happening to us. So I keep this diary. I draw it as a comic strip because that’s just what I do. I draw and draw and still the days go by at the same unstoppable rate.” It is refreshing to witness a comic artist that meditates on the minuscule events that happens to many of us in our every day lives. He gives them a deeper meaning by drawing them and sharing them with his reading audience.
Kochalka draws himself as a happy elf, complete with the pointy ears. He draws his wife Amy and their pet cat Spandy realistically but still comical. He also draws his circle of friends, choosing to draw his friend Jason Cooley who is the guitarist in the band “Punky Brewskies” with Kochalka, as a cute dog called “Jason X –12”. He includes everything here, the trips to the vet with Spandy, periods of writers block, spats with Amy, “making up” with Amy, band practices and gigs and just about anything else you could imagine.
Not only are the “light hearted” occurrences included in “Volume 4” but the more serious aspects of being a young artist and husband. The nights of trying reach deadlines when it seems all creativity has left oneself. Kochalka covers talking to Amy seriously about when to start a family and how that will affect both of their lives. Will he still have the time to create his music and art? What is more important, to be a successful artist or family man? Is it possible to be both?
Kochalka doesn’t only shows the readers his “good side” but also reveals the times when he is grouchy or unkind. He shows that even Spandy the cat’s moods can be loving at times and aggressive at times.
I really enjoyed the late night and early morning conversations and jokes between Kochalka and his wife Amy. Any married person can relate to these conversations that wouldn’t make anyone else but makes perfect sense to the couple involved. These conversations seem on the surface to be completely ordinary but in truth express two people’s true understanding and affection toward one another.
After reading “The Sketchbook Diaries Volume 4” I had a new appreciation for my own ordinary life and the little moments and exchanges with my family and friends. After reading this book, I was reminded of the quote by John Lennon: “ Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. Notice the small moments today: the hug from a loved one, giving your pet a squeeze, or the sun through the branches of the tree you pass everyday to work and know that Kochalka is noticing these things also. They will probably be in “The Sketchbook Diaries Volume 5”.
9/10
The Artwork
The artwork style of James Kochalka is deceptively simple yet substantial. Each emotion of the characters is clearly expressed in the drawings, even the emotions of Spandy the cat are easily understood by the reader. The illustrations are heavily contrasted black and white. Kochalka’s style is energetic and never dull.
8/10
Suzie Lackey |
 |
The Sketchbook Diaries Volume 4
Written and Illustrated by James Kochalka Published by Top Shelf Comix
Review: The Story 9/10 The Artwork 8/10 Overall 9/10
|
