STAFF PICKS :: LOST CAT HC :: JULY 10, 2013
SETH’S PICK :: LOST CAT HC: I’ll admit that my first cursory assessments of the works of Norwegian cartoonist Jason weren’t favorable. I didn’t initially see the brilliant storytelling behind the deceptively simple artwork. Had I actually sat down to read some of his works, I would’ve seen the greatness sooner. Now I’m happy to say that I’ve read just about everything by this cartoonist, and am always excited when he releases a new book. Jason is widely regarded for his shorter works, so the real selling point of Lost Cat is that it’s a lengthy 160 page story. It has the trappings of a detective story, but will certainly have some of the pathos and characterization that set Jason’s work apart from others. It should also be noted that this book was translated by the late Kim Thompson. Kim did many great things for comics over the course of his life, but his translations of works by Jason are among my favorite of his contributions. Thanks to him, numerous works from talented European cartoonists were introduced to an American audience, and that will resonate among cartoonists in this country for decades to come. If you missed Craig Fischer’s fine remembrance of Kim on the Heroes Blog a few weeks ago, I’d encourage you to check it out HERE.
Jason and Kim Thompson– nicely done Seth. For anyone who picks up Lost Cat and gets hooked on this fine cartoonist (it is inevitable), I’d want to direct them toward either “Why are You Doing this?” or the indispensable “Hey…Wait”. I can’t imagine a comprehensive GN collection without either of them
Glad to see you’re enjoying Jason’s brilliant work now. Glad that Fantagraphics continues to put out his books now in these gorgeously packaged hardcovers. I’m eager to read a much longer work of his since most of his bibliography is composed of short stories, of which he’s a master. His short “Emily Says Hello” might be one of my top five favorite short comics ever. His work is incredibly varied and wonderful. Well worth anyone’s time to read and explore.