Nobrow 6: The Double

Nobrow #6

by Alex Spiro

This will be an entirely new incarnation of our biannual journal as we double the number of pages to include comics and graphic short stories. At 120 pages it not only presents the very best of illustration talent out there, but also devotes half of its pages to the world of comics, where we showcase talent from the established as well as the new, all the while keeping true to our Nobrow spot color aesthetic.

The theme of this issue The Double explores the sinister concept of the doppelganger, one that has appeared in literature and mythology since our earliest written records. From Greek and Norse mythology to Percy Bysshe Shelley, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, John Donne, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the idea has held the human imagination, fascinating and terrifying us in equal measure. Now we turn it over to sixty illustrators and graphic storytellers to interpret as they wish, each taking on one double page spread.

Includes illustrations from: Andrea Kalfas, Katja Spitzer, Gwenola Carrere, Viviane Swartz, Golden Cosmos, Chuck Groenink, and many more.

Includes comics from: Kevin Huizenga, John Martz, Gemma Correll, Matthew Forsythe, Michael DeForge, Roman Muradov, Scott MacDonald, Malachi Ward, Luc Melanson, Ana Albero, and many others. With a cover by award-winning cartoonist and illustrator Tom Gauld.

Alex Spiro and Sam Arthur are creative directors of Nobrow Press, based in London, England.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Art, Graphic Novels Comics

40 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2011

Reviews

[Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my latest purchase in the Lowbrow vein and, while this volume leans more toward the illustrative Juxtapoz aesthetic than the more fine-art-influenced Hi Fructose (which is, frankly, my preference), it is still a good example of those who are carrying on in the tradition of lowbrow art. The schtick of a double-issue that features (on one side) cartoons about doppelgangers and other doubles and (on the other) illustrations about the same is well played throughout. Again, while these pieces and stories owe more to Underground Comix influences and graphic design than they do to the work of the Pop Surrealists, whom I tend to favor (such as Mark Ryden, Kathie Olivas, and Yosuke Ueno), there are exceptional illustrations by Tom Gauld, Roman Muradov, and Niv Bavarsky, as well as a very clever comic by Luke Pearson and other standouts by John Martz and Kevin Huizenga. With this issue, it looks like Nobrow is flying a rising balloon. Their press is putting out some pretty impressive graphic ditties, so pay attention! This issue of Nobrow is giving notice that there is more remarkable work to come.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

anyone who thought printing was dead needs to take a look at the nobrow independent printing press. beautiful. such attention to detail, such care with material and colour. all these considerations combine to make something that is an absolute joy to own, flick through, and cherish. giving this edition even just fifteen minutes of my time has made me an unconditional fan of nobrow - i will be hunting down everything i can get my hands on! thanks.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky, clever and beautiful. More hits than misses.

[Ben Passmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

features many great cartoonists and illustrators.

[Damon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was maybe a bit too artsy, too deliberately obtuse for my tastes. Nice looking book, though.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

patient reading of images. that's what great about this. more orientated towards adults, however.