The Sculptor by Scott McCloud
Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer
Genre: Graphic Novel, Speculative Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: If someone offered you the choice of a quiet but long life of pleasant banality or a flashy life were anything is possible but you will die after a mere 200 days, what would you choose? Sculptor David Smith is given just such a Faustian bargain and he acquires the ability to sculpt anything he wants which leads him straight down a path of emotional extremes. Struggling with the mercurial nature of the fine art world, David’s success is not as instant as he would prefer. He also has to deal with developing rivalries and straining friendships. Ultimately, his shallow nature is laid raw as he falls for Meg, a woman who initially appears to him as an angel. His life become something of a surreal roller-coaster after turning from the fine art world to the shadowy world of street art, focusing less on the external and more toward his relationship with Meg, which only makes the closing date of his bargain more eminent. Like all roller-coaster rides. David’s has to end, but not before an astounding climax that will make even the most jaded cynic pause and reflect.
My Review: Scott McCloud has literally written the book on comics (Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art), so I had no doubt this graphic novel would be astounding, but the storytelling mastery that he demonstrates with a simple palate of black white and blue are staggering. Even the way McCloud lays out panels serve to heighten story, drawing readers into David’s chaotic world, speeding up and slowing down the narrative with nothing more than the turn of a page. This is one of the few books that whole classes should be taught on. I read many graphic novels, most of which are simple escapist entertainment, but every now and again one makes you think a little. The Sculptor changed the way I saw art in a way that will stick with me for quite some time.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!