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Iris: een roman voor kijkers
De jaren zestig. Hippies en flowerpower, vrije seks en psychedelica. Protesten en vrijheid. Pop Art.
Iris is de eerste Nederlandse strip voor volwassenen. Toekomstvisie en satire tegelijk. Over de thema's van die tijd, maar misschien nog wel meer... over die van nu!
Na vijftig jaar voor het eerst volledig in kleur, zoals de tekenaar het oorspronkelijk voor ogen had. Uitgebreid met een uitbundig geïllustreerd dossier over de jaren zestig en het ontstaan van deze strip.
Iris is de eerste Nederlandse strip voor volwassenen. Toekomstvisie en satire tegelijk. Over de thema's van die tijd, maar misschien nog wel meer... over die van nu!
Na vijftig jaar voor het eerst volledig in kleur, zoals de tekenaar het oorspronkelijk voor ogen had. Uitgebreid met een uitbundig geïllustreerd dossier over de jaren zestig en het ontstaan van deze strip.
159 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1968
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 1, 2024
Fantagraphics and translator Laura Watkinson present for the first time in English, Iris: A Novel for Viewers illustrated by Thé Tjong-Khing and written by Lo Hartog van Banda, two prominent names in the Dutch comics scene during the '60s and beyond. Iris is a dystopian, psychedelic sci-fi comic featuring the titular Iris who seeks to rise to the top of the entertainment industry as a pop star, but finds that the industry is muddled by nefarious power brokers that exploit the people under them in the most cruel kinds of ways. Iris' boyfriend Mark seeks to rescue her from her newfound stardom with the help of some violent revolutionaries, and that sets the stage for the story.
The anti-capitalist sentiments are evident throughout, with the critique of the exploitation of women as the most obvious angle here. Those who have read the recent New York Review Comics' release of Chantal Montellier's Social Fiction might find the similarities in the off-kilter depiction of a dystopian future, though naturally Iris has a bit more of a male gaze to it then the feminist-themed, anti-capitalist work from a female cartoonist would. But Khing and Banda don't linger much on the erotic aspects as much as they do highlight with the necessary depiction of what exploiting a woman's sexuality would look like. The depictions are entirely serving the purpose of the narrative, thus allowing for the critique to stand on its own.
Unlike Montellier's depiction of a dystopian setting which is presented in a cold and sterile manner, Khing's artwork could not look any more different. Opting to use neon infuses colors and expressive lines, Iris could almost be an assault on the senses if it also weren't so amazing to look at too. Every panel is soaked in style that is simultaneously alluring as it is discombobulating. This edition from Fantagraphics includes a thorough bit of extras showcasing more of Khing's illustrative prowess, and it shows an artist who remained completely unburdened by a set style. Seeing the variety in techniques makes Iris even more impressive of an artistic piece, since the design feels so entirely irreproducible and established that I imagined most of Khing's art would have resembled the same style. I really hope Fantagraphics or other publishers release more of Khing's works, with the one page of Student Tijloos comic strips (the first collaborative work between Banda and Khing) being the most enticing piece showcased. Khing's style easily captures the photorealist style of greats like Alex Raymond, Al Williamson or Frank Frazetta, which is astonishing given the highly expressionistic style he opts into here. The sheer range of artistic capabilities demonstrated in the back matter makes me really wonder why Khing's works have not been more widely available outside of Europe.
The story in Iris is pretty serviceable outside of the social critique angle. It gets nonsensical quickly, with a huge portion of the plot revolving around the importance of wigs versus real hair, something that isn't really explained in any kind of way that really feels vital to the plot beside perhaps a loose critique on the cosmetics industry. I wouldn't really say I was very grabbed the story, especially as it continued on in fairly erratic bursts of things just happening. That said, it's an easy enough read and just the sheer gorgeous quality of the artwork alone makes this worth checking out. I really hope we get more translated works from Thé Tjong-Khing, since I truly believe his talents are up there with the very best in the medium.
The anti-capitalist sentiments are evident throughout, with the critique of the exploitation of women as the most obvious angle here. Those who have read the recent New York Review Comics' release of Chantal Montellier's Social Fiction might find the similarities in the off-kilter depiction of a dystopian future, though naturally Iris has a bit more of a male gaze to it then the feminist-themed, anti-capitalist work from a female cartoonist would. But Khing and Banda don't linger much on the erotic aspects as much as they do highlight with the necessary depiction of what exploiting a woman's sexuality would look like. The depictions are entirely serving the purpose of the narrative, thus allowing for the critique to stand on its own.
Unlike Montellier's depiction of a dystopian setting which is presented in a cold and sterile manner, Khing's artwork could not look any more different. Opting to use neon infuses colors and expressive lines, Iris could almost be an assault on the senses if it also weren't so amazing to look at too. Every panel is soaked in style that is simultaneously alluring as it is discombobulating. This edition from Fantagraphics includes a thorough bit of extras showcasing more of Khing's illustrative prowess, and it shows an artist who remained completely unburdened by a set style. Seeing the variety in techniques makes Iris even more impressive of an artistic piece, since the design feels so entirely irreproducible and established that I imagined most of Khing's art would have resembled the same style. I really hope Fantagraphics or other publishers release more of Khing's works, with the one page of Student Tijloos comic strips (the first collaborative work between Banda and Khing) being the most enticing piece showcased. Khing's style easily captures the photorealist style of greats like Alex Raymond, Al Williamson or Frank Frazetta, which is astonishing given the highly expressionistic style he opts into here. The sheer range of artistic capabilities demonstrated in the back matter makes me really wonder why Khing's works have not been more widely available outside of Europe.
The story in Iris is pretty serviceable outside of the social critique angle. It gets nonsensical quickly, with a huge portion of the plot revolving around the importance of wigs versus real hair, something that isn't really explained in any kind of way that really feels vital to the plot beside perhaps a loose critique on the cosmetics industry. I wouldn't really say I was very grabbed the story, especially as it continued on in fairly erratic bursts of things just happening. That said, it's an easy enough read and just the sheer gorgeous quality of the artwork alone makes this worth checking out. I really hope we get more translated works from Thé Tjong-Khing, since I truly believe his talents are up there with the very best in the medium.
July 18, 2024
It's psychedelic and strange and I loved it! The story isn’t particularly rich with substance and its commentary on sex in the media isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but the art transports you to another world in the way Quasi at the Quackadero or Yellow Submarine does and for that, I highly recommend it.
September 26, 2024
Interesting styles and layouts.
Forgettable story.
Forgettable story.
November 2, 2024
I liked the comic, but I loved the supplemental essay tracing how it fits within the 60s pop art and related cultural aesthetics.
December 11, 2025
Pop Art Magnifique!!
April 8, 2025
Absolutely gorgeous, a Yellow Submarine for the sex people.
April 25, 2025
Honestly? It was just OK. Very readable but kind of a toss-off. (Probably better than Barbarella though.) On the other hand, if you take the core idea seriously that aiming for success can put you in a prison of other people's expectations, well, that's rather terrifying.
Nearly one-third of the book is a ‘making of’ article and history lesson. Via this, we learn that the cartooning style here was not native to the artist Thé Tjong-Khing but something he adopted for this project, inspired by Pop Art and The Adventures of Jodelle (by artist Guy Peellaert). He inked his pencils with a Chinese brush—thick, with a fantastically fine point—while adding his own spin to the style. Unfortunately, everything here has a rough bitmapped edge. Color-wise, it's all over the map—and no, there are no neon colors, just loud choices and a lot of flat backgrounds, like a standard DC comic. I can't help but wonder if an older style of print production (newsprint, large DPI halftone) might have tempered the result for the better.
This book is the ‘first-ever Dutch graphic novel’, and the back matter delves deep into its late-’60s context. It's a history piece, written with the feel of a press release. Should it be judged as a graphic novel, or for its informational and educational value? Apparently, this is also the first consistently full-color version, restored and recolored by Rudy Vrooman, in collaboration with the artist.
Nearly one-third of the book is a ‘making of’ article and history lesson. Via this, we learn that the cartooning style here was not native to the artist Thé Tjong-Khing but something he adopted for this project, inspired by Pop Art and The Adventures of Jodelle (by artist Guy Peellaert). He inked his pencils with a Chinese brush—thick, with a fantastically fine point—while adding his own spin to the style. Unfortunately, everything here has a rough bitmapped edge. Color-wise, it's all over the map—and no, there are no neon colors, just loud choices and a lot of flat backgrounds, like a standard DC comic. I can't help but wonder if an older style of print production (newsprint, large DPI halftone) might have tempered the result for the better.
This book is the ‘first-ever Dutch graphic novel’, and the back matter delves deep into its late-’60s context. It's a history piece, written with the feel of a press release. Should it be judged as a graphic novel, or for its informational and educational value? Apparently, this is also the first consistently full-color version, restored and recolored by Rudy Vrooman, in collaboration with the artist.
August 4, 2024
Thé Tjong-Khing is tegenwoordig vooral bekend als illustrator van kinderboeken, maar in de jaren zestig en zeventig behoorde hij tot Nederlands allerbeste striptekenaars. En het hoogtepunt van zijn stripkunst is zondermeer 'de roman voor kijkers' Iris. 'Iris' behoort tot de kortlopende stroming van pop-artstrips die vooral in de Franstalige wereld even bestond, maar in tegenstelling tot haar voorgangers gáát 'Iris' ook echt ergens over. Waar de strips van Guy Peellaert meer vorm dan inhoud waren, vertellen Lo Hartog van Banda en Thé Tjong-Khing een werkelijk goed verhaal. En Thé Tjong-Khing tekent ook véél beter dan de andere pop-artstriptekenaars. Werkelijk iedere bladzijde is prachtig, maar het hoogtepunt vormen wel de akelige droomscènes. Met 'Iris' wordt de Nederlandse ballonstrip in één keer volwassen. Zondermeer een van de hoogtepunten van de Nederlandse stripgeschiedenis.
Voor degenen die de originele uitgave uit 1968 al hebben, is deze heruitgave overigens zeer de moeite waard. Waar in het origineel uit geldgebrek pagina's ongekleurd bleven, volgt deze heruitgave Thé Tjong-Khing's oorspronkelijke kleurideeën. De tekenaar heeft dan ook nauwgezet aan deze heruitgave meegewerkt. En de uitgebreide toelichting aan het einde mag er ook zijn.
Voor degenen die de originele uitgave uit 1968 al hebben, is deze heruitgave overigens zeer de moeite waard. Waar in het origineel uit geldgebrek pagina's ongekleurd bleven, volgt deze heruitgave Thé Tjong-Khing's oorspronkelijke kleurideeën. De tekenaar heeft dan ook nauwgezet aan deze heruitgave meegewerkt. En de uitgebreide toelichting aan het einde mag er ook zijn.
July 12, 2026
Produced in 1968, Iris is hailed as the first Dutch graphic novel and depicts a psychedelic story about the pursuit of stardom where the titular main character auditions for an eccentric media magnate at his lavish compound. Unbeknownst to Iris and the other applicants, the executive has no intention of a partnership and intends to co-opt their image in order to manufacture lifelike simulacrums for his own financial gain. Wary of Iris being manipulated, her boyfriend infiltrates the estate in hopes to rescue the young starlet before things get too out of hand.
Unsurprisingly, this is a pretty thin and scattershot narrative but makes the experience worthwhile with some vivid and colorful imagery. The aesthetic is vintage pop psychedelia with curvy, thickly inked line work filled with a prismatic array of highly saturated flats. I got a kick out of how the antagonist characters look overtly alien, with brightly colored skin and exaggerated proportions, adopting a cartoon sensibility where nothing really needs to be explained. There's also a lot of pointless nudity and sex which adds to the goofy tone. The visual presentation isn't as enrapturing or dynamic as the jaw dropping pages of Kris Kool, but what is.
The narrative, while simplistic and slapdash, does at least construct themes around how media companies treat their talent and how unhinged celebrity culture can be (even if either are only explored at a surface level). At the very least, the book doesn't waste your time and uses the plot to deliver some colorful visuals and goofy set pieces.
Unsurprisingly, this is a pretty thin and scattershot narrative but makes the experience worthwhile with some vivid and colorful imagery. The aesthetic is vintage pop psychedelia with curvy, thickly inked line work filled with a prismatic array of highly saturated flats. I got a kick out of how the antagonist characters look overtly alien, with brightly colored skin and exaggerated proportions, adopting a cartoon sensibility where nothing really needs to be explained. There's also a lot of pointless nudity and sex which adds to the goofy tone. The visual presentation isn't as enrapturing or dynamic as the jaw dropping pages of Kris Kool, but what is.
The narrative, while simplistic and slapdash, does at least construct themes around how media companies treat their talent and how unhinged celebrity culture can be (even if either are only explored at a surface level). At the very least, the book doesn't waste your time and uses the plot to deliver some colorful visuals and goofy set pieces.
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October 14, 2024was good! i'm not too fond of the digital coloring but what do I know... Skelly esque- but my favorite Skelly is the Agent entry that's colored like NOTHING else in her catalogue. I think this will be something I enjoy rereading. ANY DUTCH SPEAKER WHO SEE'S THIS- I NEED a translation or at least a scan of that Kooreman collection, Sadine. I will make a shitty, amateur english translation.
January 4, 2023
Uitermate fascinerend, ook omdat het een historisch overzicht bevat van hoe dit stripverhaal en indertijd anderen ontstonden en de invloed van deze op kunst en cultuur in het algemeen.
Aanrader voor iedereen die graag meer wil weten over hoe stripverhalen onderdeel werden van kunst en cultuur.
Aanrader voor iedereen die graag meer wil weten over hoe stripverhalen onderdeel werden van kunst en cultuur.
January 28, 2025
A new edition time warped straight outta the groovy Eurocomics scene of 1968 for your viewing pleasure: Iris is a sexy/sinister rainbow of pop art delights and counter culture anxiety about the future. Like Barbarella crashing the Yellow Submarine headlong into A Clockwork Orange! 8/10
September 7, 2024
fluidly drawn psychedelia feels very stylish despite the premise and aesthetics being of its time
September 26, 2024
The visuals are exciting and stunning but the story did nothing for me
September 27, 2024
3.5; Ron Campbell and Ken Russell present The Society of the Spectacle.
October 1, 2024
Truly retro psychedelic pneumatic fun!
January 28, 2025
A spectacular, groundbreaking work which until now was totally unknown in English. Kudos to Fantagraphics for enabling us to read it.
March 15, 2025
visually striking, really nice art but the writing and story was so trite and forgettable.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews