(Cycle of Violence) [By: Grayson Perry] [Nov, 2012]

by Grayson Perry, Unknown Author

Since winning the Turner Prize in 2003, the celebrated transvestite potter Grayson Perry (born 1960) has become something of a national institution in the U.K. In 1992, some while before he became known, Atlas Press published Perry’s sole graphic novel, Cycle of Violence , the nightmarish tale of a young cyclist and transvestite, now reprinted in a handsome hardcover edition. Of the work’s genesis, Perry “When I was 12 or 13 I drew a series of short comic strip adventures featuring an idealized male hero. When puberty hit me those boys’ own tales became increasingly kinky, involving much cross-dressing and bondage. Sadly these reports from my young subconscious were lost in the upheavals of adolescence. Twenty years later I drew Cycles of Violence while facing up to becoming a father myself, and once again my imagination became an open wound.”

Genres: Art, Graphic Novels, Comics

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Grayson Perry CBE RA is an English contemporary artist, writer and broadcaster.

Reviews

[Jasmine Franck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy as hell, but it touched a nerve. It talks about so many themes and issues close to my heart - childhood trauma, sexual desires, gender representation, family expectations, divorce, mental health (and its treatments), politics, sustainability... the list goes on and on. I would recommend only reading it if you're in a happy place.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson Perry brings back an earlier illustration from 20 years ago, to show male violence, ego and anger through a story of a successful cyclist called Bradley (!) who has a breakdown, kills women and then is healed through intense therapy. He had great foresight on the broken gender world even then. Graphic novels convey stories so powerfully, this is no exception. Recommended.

[Graves Graves]

not rating because any potential criticism is pre-empted in the introduction (2012 hardcover). it was funny and i liked it. not too many showcase such violent depictions of abuse and trauma while embellishing them with dry, cynical comments. but they should if theyre switched on like grayson. i cant believe im saying this but i feel like he managed to execute this tastefully

[Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great edgy psychosexual graphic novella, much to say and think about this one and deals with issues of the future, trauma, psychoanalysis, femicide, Freudian psychology and psychiatry in a very smart and stylized way.

[Satdeep Grewal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gory, disturbing and darkly funny. Helps put a lot of other Grayson's art into perspective.

[Oli Freke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite sure what to make of all that. Seems to have anticipated a cyclist called Bradley winning Le Tour 20 years before it happened. But other than that, all slightly weirdly personal stuff that must be meaningful for Mr Perry, but for me - not so much.

[Caroline Mersey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally written in 1992, this is a dark meditation on parent-child relationships. Beautifully illustrated in Perry's distinctive style.

[Laura Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly thought provoking, filled with brave and uncomfortable ideas that leave you dazed.

[Tommy Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - weird, but good.