Leroy Douresseaux on UPTIGHT #1

UPTIGHT #1

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONIST: Jordan Crane

20pp, B&W, $2.50

For over three decades, Fantagraphics Books has made a determined effort to introduce alternative comics and alternative cartoonists to readers, often in attractive and affordable comic book packages. Published back in 2006, Uptight #1 was the first issue of a new series by Jordan Crane, whose 2005 graphic novel, The Clouds Above, earned enthusiastic and sometimes glowing reviews from the likes of The New Yorker, Publisher’s Weekly, and Entertainment Weekly.

First of all, Uptight’s packaging is very nice and quiet attractive for a black and white comic book. The cover is in color, and both the inside and outside of the back covers are used for story. The paper is a soft white stock, not the glossy stuff most big publishers use for color comics, but the text and art print beautifully on it, almost as if Crane drew directly onto the paper.

Both stories are ruminations on death – sudden death, actually. The first tale, “Below the Shade of Night,” is a ghost story with a hook, which would certainly be familiar to anyone who’s seen the film, The Sixth Sense. The story isn’t so much haunting as it is tragic – a story of things left unsaid because of pride and stubbornness. So while this kind of story isn’t new, Crane’s execution gives it a fresh coat of heartache.

The second tale is actually a chapter from Crane’s next graphic novel, Keeping Two. The first chapter deals with phobias, fixations, and superstitious fears of death. Honestly, the way Crane presents how neurosis affects the bereaved hits so close to home that if you’ve lost loved ones and are still in pain over it you might blush with embarrassment. I did.

As far as his art and storytelling goes, Crane has drawn comparisons to Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll, and the elements of Crane’s compositions do resemble Burton’s art, as well as that of Windsor McCay (Little Nemo in Slumberland). In terms of the components of his art, Crane again favors McCay and also perhaps a little of David Mazzuchelli (at least to my eye).

Make no mistake, however; Jordan Crane is clearly an original voice and a cartoonist to watch for years to come.

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