So's Your Old Man: A Curmudgeon's Words to His Son

In 1983 at 43, New York graphic artist and illustrator Cross became a father for the first time and determined to keep a sort of diary/journal about and for his son, Max. Ultimately, the result is a portrait of the author, a man sophisticated in some areas, naive in others. As an artist working alone and thus outside the business mainstream, he has his own view of a society in bondage to the military-industrial complex, led by politicians well aware of what side their campaign contributions are buttered on and thus content with the status quo in a consumption-crazed society. But as a son raised in a strife-torn family and a participant in two failed marriages (he and Max's mother were divorced when the boy was eight), he suggests-at times fervently-that Max not heed his advice on sex, love and marriage. That is indeed good advice from a man who preaches, ""He argues on the basis of facts alone. She argues from the well of emotion."" Those who believe that will find solace in these pages. Others will want to pass. (Apr.)