American Elf: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries, Vol. 2

American Elf #6-7

by James Kochalka

Kochalka invented the daily diary comic strip, spawning a grass roots comix movement that has swept across the globe. Every day Kochalka draws a little comic strip about something that happened to him that day. As simple as that concept might seem, in Kochalka's hands it becomes something astounding and surprising; wickedly funny at times and deeply moving at others. This volume prints all the strips from 2004 and 2005 in gorgeous full-color.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Comix, Graphic Novels Comics, The United States Of America, Nonfiction, Autobiography

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2007

About the author

James Kochalka is an American comic book artist and writer, and rock musician. His comics are noted for their blending of the real and the surreal. Largely autobiographical, Kochalka's cartoon expression of the world around him includes such real-life characters as his wife, children, cat, friends and colleagues, but always filtered through his own observations and flights of whimsy. In March 2011 he will be declared the cartoonist laureate of Vermont, serving a term of two years.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. I have read my copy American Elf Vol. 1 many, many, many times over. Yet, I never read this second volume, beyond an occassional strip online. It is amazing to read about James becoming a father, and seeing his first son grow up. Truly great comics.

[Twan · Rating 5 out of 5]

More American Elf Diaries........means more great strips!!!

Bring on the 3rd collection.

[Jon Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that James Kochalka's "American Elf" diaries may well be the single greatest achievement in comics to date. In its collected form it is almost impossible to put down. With this second volume Kochalka is much more reflexive and has been referencing his own strip much more (one strip that simply points out his worst four strips in the past year or so comes to mind). It is also amazing to watch his son Eli grow up in the strip too (learning to walk, talk, etc.) I must say though that I think I rather prefer the strip in its original black and white form as opposed to the color it is in now.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Kochalka's previous autobiographical volume. The leap into color kind of parallels the beginning of this project feeling more forced and polished - he seems to be writing for an audience, rather than treating this as a personal exercise. Also, his behavior towards his family is a little troublesome, and while it's good that he is honest about it and not trying to create an idealized portrait of himself, it's also uncomfortable to read.

[Matt Buchholz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even when it gets too cutesy, which is saying something when you're talking about Kochalka, the value of the idea of keeping a daily comic-strip journal still comes across as a worthwhile, long-term endeavor. I didn't like this ain't-my-new-baby-cute chapter of the author's life, but I'm still getting the next volume.

[Liz Yerby · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love diary comics but me and james kochalka don't mesh as well as me and other diary cartoonists. sorry? i feel like as someone committed to that idea i should like these more but mehraw. what band is he in that he's talking about? his baby is cute? i like the reflective moments? i'm not a huge fan of the colors but i do dailies so i'm like proud of anyone that does them?

[Junio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Following takes place between January 1st, 2004 and December 31st 2006.

This book continues where American Elf volume 1 left off. January 1, 2004 in the life of james Kochalka.

It's much more interesting than this season of 24.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comic strip a day for two years. I had read Ben Snakepit's anthology of the same deal a year ago, but I think that I prefer dirty diapers to hangovers. Yr life is ordinary unless you choose to see it as special.

[Keon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and intimate. While on the surface it's very cute and quirky, there are lots of emotions running through it and some very surprisingly blunt and honest moments that doesn't paint the artist in a positive light.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be that guy... I preferred American Elf when it was in black and white.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken together, the two American Elf sketchbook diaries are a pretty damn lovely portrait of a marriage.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

this guy drinks his wife's breast milk during sex and it kinda grossed me out. that is ALL i can remember of reading this book. and that he draws cutely

[Nick Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all of James Kochalka's American Elf on americanelf.com. I was tranfixed for days reading the strips. I went through 10+ years of his life in a week. I think it aged me several years.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of James Kochalka's silly, sentimental, surreal take on everyday life. It is 100% endearing.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

endearing collection of daily strips, nice way to focus on the little (and big) joys and sorrows in life. i'll probably read more of these.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. They are the favourites in my graphic novel collection. Funny, thoughtful, drawings are so very funny. Wish there were more.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this series off and on over the years always out of order but it’s really a delight to dip into anywhere along the way.