Review of Winners and Losers in Words and Cartoons
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Priya Nair 1
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Review of Winners and Losers in Words and Cartoons
[Following is a volunteer review of "Winners and Losers in Words and Cartoons" by Arthur Hartz.]
Winners and Losers in Words and Cartoons by Authur Hartz is a graphic novel that explores the idea of winning and losing in American culture. The book is a collection of cartoons and commentary on society's obsession with winning and losing. Our preoccupation with winning and the horror of losing are both the central themes of the book, which are expertly depicted by the author. In today's society, losers are stigmatized while winners are lauded. Success and high ambition are the only factors that make a person successful. We must, however, be realistic and recognize that winning is not always achievable. In reality, there are other qualities and characteristics that also make a person successful. Hartz explained that the true meaning of the American Dream is success, regardless of the struggles and unhappiness one has to face in order to achieve success in life. Those who don't meet society's definition of a winner are then labeled losers without any other consideration. Winners are lauded, but we overlook the fact that there is a loss for every win.
Through the use of a variety of cartoons and commentary, the author shows how winners and losers are viewed differently. The cartoons, commentary, and aphorisms were my favorite parts of this book. The sketches were not only amusing but also thought-provoking, which made the experience so much more enjoyable. The illustrations in the book are black and white, with witty commentary by the author. The monochrome color palette did not detract from my reading experience. Three illustrators illustrated the cartoons in the book, which are noticeable throughout the chapters. The illustrations varies as well. Although I like a constant artistic approach, other readers may enjoy the book's variations. This book had a lot of beneficial qualities, such as emphasizing the obsession society has with winners and success, even if that successful person lacks a moral compass. The book made me reflect and think about my thoughts on the terms "winners" and "losers." The idea of the book is delivered humorously and sarcastically.
I did not find anything negative in this narration. I also did not find any errors, and it is well-edited. The satirical nature of the book makes it quite fun to read. In some chapters, I'd laugh at the humorous depiction of a serious topic, but then the thought-provoking narration would make me think about the topic in a different light. The first chapter itself is a satirical take on Nobel prize winners and Holocaust victims. In any other aspect, these two topics in a narration would seem offensive, but the author has handled these issues with expertise and effortlessly. Finally, Elena Whitcombe adds a commentary that completely blew my mind. Her take on the subject is both new and original. This section of the book was a lot of fun to read. This was my favorite part of the book after the illustrations.
I'd give this book by Authur Hartz four out of four stars. Some topics and illustrations may offend some readers. Even though the book mainly consists of a cartoon with witty commentary, it is not a light read. The themes and some dialogue are mature, so it is best suited for mature readers.
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Winners and Losers in Words and Cartoons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Winners and Losers in Words and Cartoons by Authur Hartz is a graphic novel that explores the idea of winning and losing in American culture. The book is a collection of cartoons and commentary on society's obsession with winning and losing. Our preoccupation with winning and the horror of losing are both the central themes of the book, which are expertly depicted by the author. In today's society, losers are stigmatized while winners are lauded. Success and high ambition are the only factors that make a person successful. We must, however, be realistic and recognize that winning is not always achievable. In reality, there are other qualities and characteristics that also make a person successful. Hartz explained that the true meaning of the American Dream is success, regardless of the struggles and unhappiness one has to face in order to achieve success in life. Those who don't meet society's definition of a winner are then labeled losers without any other consideration. Winners are lauded, but we overlook the fact that there is a loss for every win.
Through the use of a variety of cartoons and commentary, the author shows how winners and losers are viewed differently. The cartoons, commentary, and aphorisms were my favorite parts of this book. The sketches were not only amusing but also thought-provoking, which made the experience so much more enjoyable. The illustrations in the book are black and white, with witty commentary by the author. The monochrome color palette did not detract from my reading experience. Three illustrators illustrated the cartoons in the book, which are noticeable throughout the chapters. The illustrations varies as well. Although I like a constant artistic approach, other readers may enjoy the book's variations. This book had a lot of beneficial qualities, such as emphasizing the obsession society has with winners and success, even if that successful person lacks a moral compass. The book made me reflect and think about my thoughts on the terms "winners" and "losers." The idea of the book is delivered humorously and sarcastically.
I did not find anything negative in this narration. I also did not find any errors, and it is well-edited. The satirical nature of the book makes it quite fun to read. In some chapters, I'd laugh at the humorous depiction of a serious topic, but then the thought-provoking narration would make me think about the topic in a different light. The first chapter itself is a satirical take on Nobel prize winners and Holocaust victims. In any other aspect, these two topics in a narration would seem offensive, but the author has handled these issues with expertise and effortlessly. Finally, Elena Whitcombe adds a commentary that completely blew my mind. Her take on the subject is both new and original. This section of the book was a lot of fun to read. This was my favorite part of the book after the illustrations.
I'd give this book by Authur Hartz four out of four stars. Some topics and illustrations may offend some readers. Even though the book mainly consists of a cartoon with witty commentary, it is not a light read. The themes and some dialogue are mature, so it is best suited for mature readers.
******
Winners and Losers in Words and Cartoons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Becoming the Dragon by Alex Sapegin
