willie and joe by bill mauldin
Fantagraphics Books has struck gold once again with their loving repackaging of a comics classic in a hardbound edition. Bill Mauldin was an illustrator and cartoonist for the better part of the twentieth century who reached the peak of his stride imbedded with Army GIs in World War II. His bold, confident brush stroke illuminated the struggles and humor found in the life of a common GI who, over the course of the war, took the iconic form of two dogfaces named Willie and Joe. Mauldin rendered soldiers not so much as America wanted to see them, but as they really were, unshaven, downtrodden, and alternately laughing and commiserating over the burdens of war. His work elicited the scorn of General Patton and the admiration of the nation, setting the standard for a tradition of honest, uncompromising comics journalism taken up by Joe Sacco in later decades. This beautifully-bound collection highlights his best work in war cartooning that hasn’t been duplicated in tone, quality or honesty to this day. — Michael Jewell
“The Savage Detectives”
“The Savage Detectives,” by Roberto Bolaño, tells the story of the visceral realists, a resurgent group of poets operating out of Mexico City in the 1970s. In their bohemian rambling the poets get involved with some criminals and are forced to flee the city, escaping into the infamous Sonora Desert. They use this opportunity to search for Cesarea Tinajero, the founder and only living member of the original visceral realists, who has been missing for 40 years. The book takes us through the 30 years after the poets’ quest, showing us Arturo and Ulises’ journey, told by the people they meet after they flee. The book’s diary-like entries and first-hand accounts are as innovative as they are compelling. This is a book you won’t want to put down. — Daniel Chevarria
Animal Collective
“Water Curses”
Paradise Recordings
2008
Animal Collective, an alternative freak-folk band, have finally released their newest CD, “Water Curses” on May 5. Following through with their unique sound, they deliver a powerful punch. Though the album only has four songs, it is definitely worth the listen. The ambient sound effects that play through the background of each of the songs help to add a wonderful, serene cadence to the entire album. The title track of the CD, “Water Curses” carries a fast paced, calming tone. My favorite track on the EP is “Street Flash.” It is the second track on the album and it a must-listen.
Surprisingly, the band actually kept these four songs to average lengths. Instead of songs that last about eight minutes, most of the songs are around three. Though the songs are shorter and the album is short, it’s all still great. — Lee Burbage
