Unlike Harvey Pekar, who documented his thoroughly unexceptional life in graphic novel form in American Splendor, I have not actually taken the time to storyboard my Quotidian Existence and pitch it to someone who could create something simultaneously Meaningful and Arty.
But it’s not a bad idea. After all, when it came time to write the dreaded Essay on my application to Princeton University, I envisioned my future life as a successful comic strip artist (and Princeton alumnus), the world-famous creator of Super Baciagalupe. It (along with my SAT scores) was enough to get me accepted. It’s 37 years later, but I still have a Funny-Book mind.
Hell, I can’t get though the day without reading the newspaper comics section...even the lame-ass strips like Judge Parker and Mary Worth. And I thoroughly enjoyed The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, Michael Chabon’s novel set in the Golden Age of comic books.
But let’s think about this for a moment. What kind of Comic Strip Hero would Elisson be?
The Peter Parker type? Serious, possibly even nerdly, but with a hidden reserve of power? Or just plain everyday Joe, à la Harvey Pekar?
Perhaps something a little more violent? Unpredictable?
I’m guessing I know which version some people might prefer...
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