"I know; that's what bothers me." (from Tiny Dracula by Nathan Olsen)
"I know; that's what bothers me." (from Tiny Dracula by Nathan Olsen)
I don't know much about Olsen other than he has a Danish-Norwegian surname and his art vaguely fits under the umbrella of 'LC.' Specifically, I enjoy the playful style he uses in his comics. More samples from Tiny Dracula here:
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first glance, I thought this was mike mignola's hellboy
Yet there's some clear differences.... especially when you look at the other work by Olsen. Still I have great admiration for this 'ink forward' style of illustration, and therefore am happy to learn about Olsen. Thanks a bunch
Also, I feel the comparison between Olsen and Mignola is quite telling for the difference between more bold American illustrations vs more, i don't know, delicate? European preferences.
Also, I feel the comparison between Olsen and Mignola is quite telling for the difference between more bold American illustrations vs more, i don’t know, delicate? European preferences.
Yes, I feel much the same way. Part of the reason I drifted from American to Euro comics over the years is because I like it when things are moreso alluded to rather than thrust in my face. I don't quite mean that as pejoratively as it maybe sound, but the style preference is there, and it seems to apply not just to the art but to the scripts, dialogue, storytelling, etc.
I think it just comes from a different culture. Same as with food, American culture is one of rapid growth and excess, whereas Europeans, especially in the south, tend to go a bit slower, with a bit more respect for tradition.
If you ever want a good read, Alessandro Barrico(IT) wrote a series of essays bundled in "the barbarians" where he explains about the clash between these two cultures way better then I ever could. In short, not doing him justice; he claims its a difference between going in depth (deep, specialized knowledge) or going wide (big networks, knowing a little bit about a lot of things).
I started out with the european stuff being eally lucky my dad is such a collector (and it's only in hindsight i realise how good his taste was; from Gaston to storm/trigie/ to moebius to Asterix) Then I grew up and started developping my own taste with the likes of Hellboy, Sandman, Watchman, scott pilgrim... only to eventually return to the european stuff because it's just so... sensible. TBF this blog is playing a big part in that return.
edit: before the american stuff, there was also a manga period btw. not really important to this comparison, but I guess its relevant to understand its not just a binary comparison... the world of mangaka's is so different again in its own right.
Same as with food, American culture is one of rapid growth and excess, whereas Europeans, especially in the south, tend to go a bit slower, with a bit more respect for tradition.
That seems pretty apt. America has arguably been a sort of pyramid scheme since its founding, with the territories and vast natural resources of the area encouraging some of the worst sorts of oversight, lawlessness and mismanagement across multiple levels.
But as for comics, American stuff tends to be too performative for me. It doesn't tell the truth nor relate to me nearly as much as Euro stuff does.
TBF this blog is playing a big part in that return.
Cool! It does seem like a "blog" at times, altho eventually I'm hoping it turns in to a healthy community with multiple people contributing.
Thanks also for the opinions and recommendation. Good comments are also a form of valued contribution. :-)
I love the idea of the US in its entirety as a pyramid scheme... well, its kinda sad as wel, but it's certainly an image!
I'm looking forward to this place becoming a bigger community, and I'd love to contribute as well. Thing is, I'm a bit of a wildcard when it comes to where my attention goes. Yet if the urge strikes me, can I just make posts? is there a certain format I should adhere to? Do we consider English comics also as part of this? (not mean as a cheap EU quip, but looking at Alan Moore's work for example; to me it feels more American than Franco-Belgian... which is why I labled him with the Americans in the first place... Or am I overthinking things now?
Yet if the urge strikes me, can I just make posts? is there a certain format I should adhere to? Do we consider English comics also as part of this?
Sure, feel free to post when the mood hits you. You don't have to follow my format. I think the sidebar lays out everything you need to know, but there are also some posting tips in the FAQ. I personally consider the UK part of the the overall "Euro" experience, so please fire away with Moore or other Brits.
Altho yes, I know what you mean about certain UK creators straddling continents as it were. Bryan Talbot and Pat Mills come to mind...