Mhairi
Mhairi © Malcy Duff
| Mhairi Malcy Duff |
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Vary - no, vah-ree... That's how I understand the name to be said. This is just a distraction though. All the comics in this particular print run have a different name, so what is the comic called? How can you identify it? It is not a name - it is an individual, then? So does this comic only exist as such, when you pick it up & read it? At this point I shall step away from that precipice of philosophy.
The press release accompanying this comic states that Malcy considers this comic to be a tune playing itself. The comic is certainly book-ended by someone dusting piano keys - which, if this could be 'heard' (as opposed to represented) would be a simple scale progression - a very basic tune. From there we follow to the next musical queue, which is a piece of automated music which is nonetheless played with gusto by the performer. This might be considered the 'next movement', if you like (& one you might also wish to draw your own comparisons with on the theme of 'Art'). We then segue to a series of uncomfortable vignettes. In these little scenarios differing characters crop up & like motifs with their own little 'tunes'.
The narrative does not bind to what you might call a story, but a 'story' is there as it exists in the telling from panel to panel. In terms of comics this is more art.
It has been an interesting journey watching Malcy develop as a comic artist. Even his oldest comics (that I have seen) have had a wilful streak of whimsey - something that should be treasured, but that is often ignored. His artistic vision has become clearer, as has his approach to cartooning. At this stage his cartooning is becoming a clear & individual style. His penchant for the grotesque is quite delightfully exhibited in his cartooning language. His storytelling is becoming quite oblique; this particular comic is a good example of his experimental approach. He seems to be someone who is truly willing to take risks in the way he creates comics & it is this attitude that really sets him apart from most of his peers. If you cannot take risks when creating your own comics - just to see how things work - where can you?
This may be only a step in his overall development. To get a better idea of the greater canvas don't just buy this comic - seek out more of his work in order to watch & participate in the development of this artist (one of the joys of reading small press comics). Where this is all leading is anyone's guess...
mooncat
| Mhairi: 24 A5 pages, double cover with felt applique on the internal cover. |
Recieved at ZUM! HQ: 4/02 |
£1 +P+P? (unconfirmed - best contact Malcy) | Malcy Duff, 34 Springhill Gdns, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 2EY. |