A Tundra Sketchbook Series Special Edition
By Peter Kuper (Tundra)
ISSN: 1056-2931
Although now available as a CD-Rom with a musical score, old git that I am, I prefer my graphic narratives silent, so I’m recommending this slim volume of sketches, paintings, photos and comic strip recollections from one of the world’s most innovative illustrators (which is subtitled “A Journal of Travels through Africa and Southeast Asiaâ€) over its technological successor. At least you can read this in the bath or on the toilet – a welcome advantage as any world traveller (including the author) must admit.
With punchy, edgy line drawing cartoons Kuper recounts his Trip-of -a-Lifetime to the aforementioned destinations, accompanied by partner Betty Russell in a mesmerising documentary of jet-lag, exhaustion, trepidation, non-restful sleep, wonderment, joy and of course, violent, explosive stomach-disorders. Of especial use is the photo-feature Toilets of the World.
In addition to the journal strips there are many beautiful, expressive and arresting paintings, sketches, collages and drawings from this marvellously gifted artist and critic. This is comics reportage at its most engaging, and it’s a shame more creators don’t dabble in this area of our art-form.
Some of the collected material has also been seen in World War III Illustrated, Heavy Metal, American Illustration, Traveller, Bleeding Heart and Step-By-Step Graphics.
© 1992 Peter Kuper. All Rights Reserved.