publish one book and get yourself a monograph

This is the first book to explore the life and work of gifted cartoonist Chris Ware, whose ceaseless experimentation with narrative and graphic forms, as evidenced in his book Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth (2000), challenge traditional definitions of comic books and literature.

Daniel Raeburn looks closely at Ware’s career, work methods, and graphic innovations, which include pullout, flip-up, and three-dimensional insertions, along with cut-out-and-assemble-paper projects that require construction by readers. Based on many hours of interviews with the artist, Raeburn offers fascinating insights into the connections between Jimmy Corrigan’s biography and that of his creator. In addition, the book encompasses Ware’s many other works and examines his place in the world of literature, graphic art, and popular culture.

Daniel Raeburn self-publishes The Imp, an annual booklet of comics criticism. His writings have appeared in the Village Voice Literary Supplement.