Booklist
Modern Arf is a new anthology series "exploring the unholy marriage of art and comics" but pretty definitely emphasizing comics. That's just fine since there still aren't that many books focused on comics, and few of those are as delightful as this one. Among the treats on view in its oversized pages are cartoons depicting artists and their models, a zany 1920s magazine story by cartoonist Milt Gross (1895-1953), a historical examination of the precursors of Mad mascot Alfred E. Newman, obscure work by Mutts cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, and comic strips by Salvador Dali along with cartoonists' attempts at Daliesque surrealism. Comics aficionados may get the biggest kick out of an atypical story by legendary superhero artist Jack Kirby, in which a schlub is transported into a cubist alternate world; but there's something here to tickle nearly everyone's fancy. The title remains puzzling, though, unless it refers to the dogged efforts of compiler Yoe, who contributes the commentary and his own wacky scrawlings, to unearth forgotten treasure. Gordon Flagg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
The Boston Globe
Eye-popping revelations!
