Setting out his Wares

While the 18th issue of Chris Ware's acclaimed ACME Novelty Library (out now) is further proof that the man's complex and daring draughtsmanship remains practically unrivalled in comics, the second volume of Ware's personal sketchbooks, The ACME Novelty Datebook Vol 2, allows for a more intimate peek in to his determinedly miserable mindset. Comprising 201 pages covering the period 1995-2002 (during which he finally achieved mainstream acclaim with Jimmy Corrigan in 2000), the book teems with renditions of average Americans and ragtime musicians, old buildings, amusing autobiographical comic strips, jacket designs and other (mostly self-excoriating) ephemera. Ironically, his art style here - so different from ACME's dazzling-if-cold structures - possesses a clear tenderness and (whisper it) genuine affection.
Danny Graydon