Jeff Smith: Bone and Beyond

by Lucy Shelton Caswell (Introduction), Jeff Smith (Artist), Sherri Geldin (Foreword)

Jeff Smith is one of the great success stories of independent comics. In July of 1991, he launched Cartoon Books in Columbus, Ohio, to publish his black-and-white comic strip Bone . A tale of three marshmallowy creatures named Bone, adrift in a world of humans, monsters and fantasy creatures, Bone has since been translated into 15 languages and won Smith countless awards. Bone and Beyond is the first volume to offer an overview of Smith's work. Published in conjunction with the Wexner Center and Cartoon Research Library's 2008 exhibition, this catalogue presents work featured in the show, including examples of Smith's original drawings for Bone , plus the more recent Shazam and Rasl , a forthcoming time travel story. Also featured are selected works by cartoonists who have influenced Smith, such as George Herriman, Charles Schulz and Walt Kelly, and essays by comic book and fantasy author Neil Gaiman, comic book artist and scholar Scott McCloud and Wexner Center film/video curator David Filipi, the exhibition's co-curator. Cartoon Research Library curator Lucy Shelton Caswell, the exhibition's other co-curator, provides an introduction.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Art, Nonfiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

LUCY SHELTON CASWELL is Associate Professor and Curator of the Library of Communication and Graphic Arts at Ohio State University. She specializes in the history of cartoon art and special collections librarianship. She is the author of a previous book, articles, and has mounted numerous exhibitions.

Reviews

[Rachel Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, inspirational review of Jeff Smith's work and influence. I definitely wouldn't recommend this to anyone who hasn't read Bone, but having read the comic, I enjoyed this and it made me want to go back and read Bone again.

Very cool read for anyone who's interested in doing their own comics or graphic work, as well.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Smith is a master storyteller! I cannot deny that I did not even know that this was an exhibit. I will say nowadays it is easier for me to look these things up. His work was on display at the Wexner in the summer of 2008 and this is the accompanying book. I stumbled upon this at a flea market and had to immediately pick it up! I felt, it definitely did not disappoint. The interview is clutch, and a deep dive into the thoughts and creative process of Jeff Smith. You get to see pieces from his career, not only Bone, but Shazam and RASL Reading Neil Gaiman and Scott McCloud only further make this book simply a MUST HAVE for every Bone fan. If you are unfamiliar with Bone, you may or may not love it as much...but if you aren't familiar....go out and get it, you'll thank me later!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you didn't get to see the exhibit of Jeff Smith's work on display at the Wexner Center this summer, this book is a close approximation. It features an interesting, in-depth interview with Smith, as well as essays full of gushing praise from Neil Gaiman and Scott McCloud. The presentation is very handsome, and even though it reads quickly, there is plenty of art that makes you want to sit and study every detail.

[Evad]

Informative and well laid out, this book gives a good look at a master of the comic medium.

[Loren · Rating 4 out of 5]

yep it's good

[Tommaso Querini · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was particularly interesting to read the interview with Jeff Smith and having him pinpointing the choices he made during the creation of Bone.

The abrupt sense of humor that catches the reader off guard was inspired by Segar, the creator of Popeye.



The 3 Bones are caricatures like Charles Barks Uncle Scrooge, but the simplicity of their characters is counterbalanced by the deepness of the story.