panellogy 243 - nicolas de crecy
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- a quick review of three french comics:
"prosopopus" (aire libre / dupuis) and "glacial period" (english version by: nbm / louvre editions)
by nicolas de crecy
and
"phantom of the opera" (German ed. published by Knesebeck)
by Christophe Gaultier (didn't even mention his name... sorry!)
I picked up Glacial Period recently, and I really enjoyed it, although I do wish it focused more on the archaeologists trying to understand the various artworks (I was a little bit underwhelmed by the ending as well, since it felt kind of abrupt) I really like the art as well (the colours are absolutely gorgeous!), it kind of reminds me of the work of Taiyo Matsumoto, especially that kind of "scratchy" linework (funnily enough, Matsumoto and Nicolas de Crecy actually collaborated on an artbook once!)
I'm glad that you took it, De Crecy is actually one of my favorite comic author ever. I don't think that Foligatto is the book that 1st comes to mind when thinking of De Crecy, but certainly it is fabulous and representative, though The Celestial Bibendum is his greatest work and one of the best comics I've ever read for sure.
Both, Foligatto and Bibendum, are highly surreal, abstract and moody but Bibendum is really high concept and complex. Anyway he often talks about art, not only in these 2 you have, and the meta-narrative is also a part of the game, infact there is a sign even in Prosopopus. On this I recomend to look at the meaning of the word Prosopopus, a greek word where the orator/speaker talks to the public through another person, and that's what comics do, no? Another thing, the big fatty summoned thing could be the consciousness of the book being read; I mean when he looks into the camera he sees an inhuman obsever and he knows he is being observed/read.
De Crecy often talks through visual associative metaphors done with a symbolic editing, just look at the autopsy scene alternated with sexual act, the projectile with a penis or the red with blood. Another unique thing is his use of contrast in his narrative and art: impessionistic and expressionistic art, sketchy and detailed, humor and drama and so on. This is actually in all his oeuvre.
I highly recommend everything he has done but expecially The Celestial Bibendum, The Diary of a Phantasm, Leon la Came (with the Chomet told in the comments) and Foligatto. Though Glacial Period is one of the best he has done.
You're right, the Louvre has done a series of comics and the Marc Antoine Mathieu (a genius) is a must read, translated The Museum Vaults, and also On the Odd Hours of Eric Liberge.
thanks for sharing your profound thoughts, very appreciated. Didn't know about the word Prosopopus, that's very interesting and makes sense... somehow. and yes, that page with the bed scene mixed with panels from the autopsy, that was a very strong page and composition - actually one I wanted to show, but forgot in the "heat of recording". The "phallic bullet" was a bit too obvious for me... or ... - don't know, but yes, it's clear that De Crecy's compositions and artwork has it's hidden meanings, false bottoms and intellectual eastereggs... so one (and esp. I) can never be sure to have understood everything.
@@earlgrey862 it's pretty hard to understand everything when something is hidden, but it is also fascinating when you reread it and discover new things.
absolutely!
Oh man, one of my favourite french artists/illustrators . De Crécy art is just magnificent and bizarre, creating atmospheres simultaneously funny and unsettling. I strongly recommend Le Bibendum Celeste, Glacial Period, Salvatore and, mainly his gigantic self-titled monography. Another good choice by mr. earl grey...
Oh also, there's a very worthwhile and magnificent edition sketchbook published by Louis Vuitton - if you've got the money go for it-
yeah, some expensive tomes ... but before that I have to develop a more serious de crecy addiction first
Yes, some pleasant addictions are expensive, but, then again, they stimulate your mind and senses. So its worth it..
I picked up Glacial Period because I was so taken by the art, particularly the watercolor. I was somewhat underwhelmed by the story, I see I wasn't the only one.
I've never read any of his comics, but his art really is fascinating. It reminds of the Sylvain Chomet animations (they even did a comic series together, if I'm not mistaken)
imagegoogled Chomet because of your comment and yes, that looks intriguing as well... even though: naturally it lacks a bit of crecy's scritchy scratchy looseness which is maybe the thing I like the most when it comes to his art.
awesome stuff.. heard of prosopopus in an earlier discussion with you and Res (Res Reads). When I was on a mission to find all appealing mute comics, I frequently stumbled upon it. Both books are available for very decent prices on a 2nd hand store online. Just saying, I have some money to burn.
go for it... I think I got "glacial period" for cheap as well
ha... directly after answering your comment I went to ebay and could buy a pretty decent looking copy of "foligatto" for 5 Euros (the old ed. from feest, cover price 34,80 DM ... so it seems to be a very good deal)
@@earlgrey862 postage included? Shipping costs always make me pass on otherwise great offers.
a bit more than two euros if I remember correctly (I have a very shorttime memory in regard of bills and payments)
@@earlgrey862 you don't say
Hm, from what I see here Glacial Period reminds me of the last chapter/book of The World of Edena.