When we hear the phrase “political cartoon”, we often think of single-panel caricatures of political figures. The concepts are displayed through high-level symbolism and over-the-top metaphors. We get a fully packed opinion in a single picture.
This style does not seem to be as prominent as it used to be. I personally think this has to do with the internet. We no longer rely on newspapers and magazines for information. The internet has allowed creators to do whatever they want, whenever they want.
Political editorials, life stories, and societal issues can be portrayed in any number of ways. I think that this is an excellent concept. I want to see creators expressing their opinions within their own styles. This can only lead to higher-quality and more diverse works of art.
About Defiling the Literati
Defiling the Literati is created by Alex Schumacher. It is a collection of comics Alex made for a variety of magazines and sources. The collection was released in 2017. This collection also contains a portion of Schumacher’s series Mr. Butterchips.
This is the second collection of Schumacher’s work that I have read. I recently finished reading Decades of (in)Experience, Schumacher’s weekly comic book series. While Decades is more of a personal series, the comics found in Defiling the Literati mostly tackle sociopolitical issues.
Defiling the Literati Review
Schumacher touches on many issues of the day in these pages. These comics discuss topics such as war, rape, and racism. One of my favorite strips pokes fun at the current state of online political discourse. Those who know me know how much I can’t stand the online bickering and name calling. I loved this comic’s humorous take on the subject.
Defiling the Literati is not all serious discussion. The content of the stories is surrounded with Schumacher’s absurdist sense of humor and powerful dialogue. This makes the harder topics easier to swallow. This collection is as fun to read as it is to think about.
As a learning comic artist, I am envious of Schumacher’s art style. He found a way to put a personal and modern spin on the styles of the 1970s Underground Comix movement. Fans of this style will be familiar with the heavy hatch shading and thick outlines. Schumacher turns this style on its head with the use of greyscale elements, incorporation of real pictures, and using a variety of lettering/fonts.
A portion of the comics in Defiling the Literati are from Schumacher’s time writing for Dunk Monkeys. These strips revolve around an eccentric character named Mr. Butterchips. If you think your life is wild, you will be put to shame by this manic organ-grinder monkey. He smokes, drinks, dates beautiful women, and even more beautiful blow-up dolls.
Alex Schumacher has never failed to impress me. I am fully prepared to follow Alex through the rest of his career of a comic creator. I would recommend his work to fans of other Underground Comix-influenced creators such as Joe Daly and Derf Backderf. However, Alex’s writing and art is incredibly commanding and can be enjoyed by comic readers of any taste.
Where To Find Defiling the Literati
Defiling the Literati can be purchased from Alex Schumacher directly. Send Alex a message for more details!
Alex Schumacher can be found on Twitter, Instagram, and through his official website.
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