Joseph Remnant is somewhat known in the American indie comic scene for illustrating one of Harvey Pekar's graphic novels, Cleveland. However, his work on Cartoon Clouds represents a genuine and well-executed bildungsroman, a coming-of-age novel. Seth, a recent graduate from an art academy, along with his friends, must confront the challenges of life. Much like Balzac's 'Lost Illusions,' Seth finds himself crushed by a cruel and absurd world. His beloved Allison leaves him for a conniving art dealer who, despite lacking Allison's talent and body of work, quickly helps her secure solo exhibitions. Meanwhile, Seth can only find work in fast-food restaurants. Cartoon Clouds brutally exposes the shallowness of the contemporary art world, the emptiness of a generation, and the challenges real artists must endure. Remnant's artwork is skillfully executed, perfectly complementing the narrative by adding emphasis to key moments and easily navigating the delicate balance between drama and comedy.
It's a beautiful book. Read it, if you can.
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