Nick Sousanis

A lot of effort went into this book, and sadly I think it was largely wasted. A bunch of cod philosophical statements haphazardly strung together. There is little overall message, nor any single insight that lingers once the book is closed. Pretentious and overwrought, and rather too didactic in some of its pronouncements (it strikes me as unfair to pull example out of context, but there is no shortage). Some of the art is nice, but, to paraphrase someone reading over my should "just because you did a picture doesn't make it more profound". That said, if it hadn't been a work of comics I don't think it would have got any attention whatsoever, but I don't think it is a particularly good use or example of the medium.… (more)

This would probably be the most unusual "comic book" that I've ever encountered. It is more like a graphic philosophical essay, in which Sousanis discusses concepts like vision, perception and imagination, arguing that comics enable the combined use of text and images (engaging both sides of the brain) to enhance the imagination and rewire our thinking. This can take us from the "flatland" of dulled, routine thinking into a more enhanced mode of thought.

The text is quite erudite and intellectual, with copious references to the work of other thinkers and philosophers, as well as to popular culture. Sousanis uses stunning black and white imagery to both convey what he is saying and lead the reader through the train of thought that he is encouraging.

It's no surprise that this deeply contemplative work was published by Harvard University Press; it is one of only two graphic works on their list, which is an indication of how exceptional this book is.… (more)