Art Spiegelman is preparing to release a comic book into the world that he thinks could make even bigger waves than his iconic story. Bad. Over the past few decades, Spiegelman's iconic work has been the subject of debate and controversy, but his next project could become Maus' the reception pales in comparison.
Put HyperallergicArt Spiegelman spoke at the premiere of the documentary Art Spiegelman: Disaster is my muse and participated in a question and answer session. There he revealed that he was working on a new comic book project with Joe Sacco (Palestine, Footnotes on Gaza) and that the subject would be about Gaza.
"I'm going to finish this or die trying. I've never had a bigger wrestling match in my head. My superego says, 'You must do this if you want to live with yourself,' and my id says, 'Who wants the pain? [of] being canceled by everyone on the planet?''
Spiegelman kept the details to himself, although he admitted that it might be difficult to find a publisher in the United States. Spiegelman also said he is even at war with himselfnoting that he needs to tell the story, but fears it could provoke a negative reaction around the world.
Maus creator Art Spiegelman's next project is about Gaza
Spiegelman is no stranger to controversial receptions
Art Spiegelman is a cartoonist who worked for Topps (where he co-created Children's trash can) and was a well-known figure in the underground comics scene of the 70s and 80s. However, he gained national attention with the publication of Bada story based on his father's life that deals heavily with his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. The story was praised by critics and is the first and only graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize. However, Bad It was also criticized and even banned in some placeswhether due to the theme, the narrative choices or the adult material.
Those who have paid attention to conflicts in the Middle East know that it is a sensitive subject to discuss. The Israel-Palestine conflict has been going on for years and, in the last year, tempers have flared with the increase in deaths, especially the deaths of children. Many creatives have spoken out on both sides of the conflict, but this next project from Spiegelman will be an opportunity for him to express his thoughts on current events in the Middle East. It's a different world since Bad was published for the first timebut Spiegelman's perspective could be interesting.
The creator of Maus is a wise storyteller with a unique point of view
He should be free to express his opinion
Spiegelman has been criticized by some for his frank portrayal of humanity in Badbut this story was genuine, which is why it has resonated so powerfully with readers in recent decades. Is Spiegelman going to say or retract some things that are likely to upset people? Undoubtedly. But your thoughts and opinions about the Middle East are no less valid than anyone else's. In fact, your experience with Bad should be welcomed and fans should approach his newest work with an open, if not cautious, mind.
Source: Hyperallergic