Stripped: The Death of the Funny Pages
Perhaps one of the most delightful documentaries in years, “Stripped: The Death of the Funny Pages” traverses the highs and lows of the diversifying cartoon industry that parallels the downsizing of the American newspaper industry. This is a must see for anyone marginally interested in cartoons (or comics). Already tapped as the best documentary at the San Diego Comic Con (2014), Stripped offers a full-bodied introduction to past, current and future cartoonists of note and the evolution of the medium over the last 100 years. Using a plethora of archival footage, numerous interviews, and a treasure trove of memorable art, you will find yourself immersed into the varied landscape of cartoon history.
Cartoonist are a devoted lot. Consider the idea of coming up with a joke, gag, social commentary, or political message each and every day for 20+ years. Absurd, right? Well, this is what the most celebrated artists of the medium have signed onto. There is a remarkable sense of happiness (even in the trickiest of times) in the majority those interviewed. I think they’re just happy to be drawing about what makes them happy, sad, angry or mad 🙂 Through the transformation to the digital age and beyond, these artist understand that the medium will transcend time due to its inherent nature. Great cartoons are about the quotidian. Themes of love, laughter, self-pity, and beyond create a narrative easily accessible to a wide readership. Often these messages in snippet form remind us that we are not alone in this big burly world!
Here’s just a sampling of artists interviewed:
Bill Griffith, Zippy the Pinhead
Dan Piraro, Bizzaro
Danielle Corsetto, Girls with Slingshots
Kate Beaton, Hark, A Vagrant!
Greg Evans, Luann
Jeff Keane, The Family Circus
Jeff Smith, Bone
Jim Daviz, Garfield
Scott Kurtz, PvP
Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics
Jessica Ruskin, Schulz Museum
Cathy Guisewite, Cathy
Hey and Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes, is interviewed for the first time in years! If you love Calvin and Hobbes, there is a sequence in the film that is pure poetry that will make you want a tissue or two.
You can see clips and purchase the video at: http://www.strippedfilm.com/
Review by Chester Alamo-Costello
