This time around, the imagery is more simple ( New School also used color photographs as overlays), and perhaps even stranger.Īn illustration obscured by a dark purple film may be difficult to read, forcing the reader to slow down and think less about story and more about art, which may be Shaw’s intent. Shaw has said that with New School, artist Francis Picabia’s “transparencies” inspired him.

Much like New School, the graphic novel plays around with color, specifically overlays that often cover an entire page with a single dark hue.

But, as usual, Shaw’s latest work isn’t really about the plot, interesting as its developments and ideas are.

But Shaw’s constant push into new territory is never completely isolating, as his line (wobbly, thick strokes sad and somewhat primitive eyes) remains constant, as does his intuitive sense to craft interesting, engaging work.ĭoctors continues in the sci-fi vein of the author’s previous works New School and BodyWorld, proposing a world where a few scientists have discovered how to revive the deceased temporarily, dragging them from the afterlife they’ve created for themselves and allowing them to settle their estates. The same can be true when an artist refuses to settle into a pattern, especially if he or she has had great success with a particular approach. Think about your reaction each time your computer prompts you to install a new version of iTunes, or Facebook plays around with the design of its news feed.

For more information on SPX: spxpo.It would be easy to start off this review with the exact same sentence that began the last review I wrote on one of comics’ most unique voices: “Dash Shaw is a relentless experimenter, never content to rely on the processes and approaches that garnered him acclaim the last go-round.” Normally, the impulse to tinker is an aggravating one. The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce the 2015 nominees for the annual presentation of the Ignatz Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. The Ignatz Awards will be presented at the gala Ignatz Awards ceremony held on Saturday, Septemat 9:30 P.M.

Doctors by Dash Shaw