So, what kind of a man was Charles Schulz? I've heard his family is upset about a new biography by David Michaelis' new biography called "Schulz and Peanuts" and I've just read a review of it on Salon. The book paints a picture of Schulz as much more complex than the simple life his official biography. In other words, perfectly normal and just like the rest of us. The difference is, Schulz produced one of the most recognizable works of the 20th century. But, I never knew he got divorced, and I didn't know he wasn't particularly close to his four children. He was known to respond to reporters' questions about his kids by telling tales of Charlie Brown.
I think I'd like to read the book. Fantagraphics has been printing a deluxe hardcover reprint series. When I was a kid, I used to devour reprint books, and at one point knew intricate details about the character. Peanuts is what first drew me to serial strips, and I'm still hooked as an adult. I just read Marvels by Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross, and it was superb. I actually had a conversation today with someone about Love and Rockets, an experience that is fairly rare for me.
But, it shouldn't be. Everyone reads comics, on some level. Yet, I don't talk to anyone about it, or there aren't that many people here. I don't even really know where to buy good alternative comics, except online. There's a whole back catalog I have to go through.
2 comments:
Have you ever read Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon? I know many comic book lovers who love it. (I always like his book Mysteries of Pittsburgh best, personally.)
Yes, it's a great book, and it's great how it takes comics seriously, as well as the reasons why someone might feel the need to create a mythical world.
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