This sequel to the popular collection of syndicated alternative cartoonists features 21 more artists of all styles and opinions. Many will be familiar to readers of weekly or even daily papers, like Aaron McGruder (Boondocks
) and Max Cannon (Red Meat
); others, including Emily Flake and Tim Kreider, are still building venues. Controversial syndicated cartoonist Rall deftly scoured the alternative press for this group and conducted short, entertaining interviews with each cartoonist, included here. Beyond introducing regional talents like Flake and Kreider to a larger audience, the book also encapsulates an, er, attitude prevalent in today's syndicated comics: humor is a constant, but these days it's strongly laced with sarcasm, cynicism and a certain amount of neurosis, perhaps more now than ever before. The other trend is a strong retreat from drawing as an end in itself. These cartoonists are, generally, writers who use the medium to get across verbal puns or simple, angry screeds, regardless of visual style or any other comics-based concerns. However, there's plenty of talent on display. That David Rees (Get Your War On
) only uses clip art for visuals doesn't detract from the cleverness of his dialogue and the poignancy of his themes, while Keith Knight's crude but exuberant cartooning enhances his articulate, if loud, opinions. If this collection's work is slightly uneven, that's a function of its subject matter. This worthy compilation of cartoonists who otherwise wouldn't be seen outside of their local weeklies showcases the continuing vitality of comics as social criticism. (May)
