Skitzy: The Story of Floyd W. Skitzafroid

by Don Freeman

A graphic novel from the author of the beloved children’s classic Corduroy

 

Published in the centennial year of Don Freeman’s birth, Skitzy follows a day in the life of a man literally divided between life as an office worker and life as an artist. Without the use of dialogue, his fluid and economical illustrations create an engrossing and fully believable environment, seducing the reader into a familiar world where expressive, gestural drawings explore the possibility of striking a perfect balance between work and play.

Floyd W. Skitzafroid’s wife worries that he is culture-starved and overworked, but she is only half right. Shortly after he leaves the house, Floyd splits into two: one a carefree artist, the other a grumpy worker with no time to spare. The contented Floyd quickly evades his morose counterpart in favor of a trip to his studio, sporting a broad grin throughout the day. But while this half paints and walks around pleasantly greeting those he meets, the other Floyd is confined to a desk, interacting only with paperwork, a looming boss, and his own disrupting thoughts. When the two halves of Skitzafroid are reunited after the workday, an unexpected eye-opener gives Floyd the push he needs to find a solution that will allow him to enjoy his passions without compromising his financial freedom.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Don Freeman was a painter, printmaker, cartoonist, children's book author, and illustrator. He was born in San Diego, California, attended high school in Missouri, and later moved to New York City where he studied etching with John Sloan.
Frequent subjects included Broadway theatre, politics, and the circus. He was also a jazz musician, and the brother of circus entrepreneur Randy Freeman.

Reviews

[Jody Banman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the artwork, which is important as there's no dialogue. It looks like it was somewhat sloppily drawn on one day, and yet there is a nuance and detail in it that makes it pleasing.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great replica edition of a 1955 graphic novel. Freeman mostly worked on children's books, and this one is straight forward and has a basic moral, like a kid's book, but it's about an adult's bill-paying reality vs. his dreams and works better as an adult parable. The art is borderline sketchy, but very lively and energetic, very beautiful. It's nearly silent, probably only a ten minute read, but it's definitely worthwhile.

[Ben Williamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skitzy- By Don Freeman
I was drawn to this book by its name, and I liked how the plot relates to it. Throughout the book, the main character Mr Skitzafroid splits between two personalities. One is happy, full of life and creative, whilst the other personality is somewhat depressed. Sick and tired of his work, he eventually gets fired and as the novel progresses he gets into more and more outlandish situations. I thought that it was very clever how the name linked to the storyline in a slightly different way to other books. This was the first Graphic Novel I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Paul Schulzetenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skitzy is a not particularly great comic book, of historical interest, published in a loving bound folio edition. It’s of nominal interest as an adult work done by an artist mostly known for a children’s work (Corduroy), but the story is too simple and the art too sparse for it really to be worth a recommendation.

Oh, and it also falls prey to the common misconception that schitzophrenia is the same as multiple personality disorder. It’s not. Look it up and stop being lazy about it.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really attracted to the art. Since it is early graphic novel and there are no words this may seem a silly statement, but the art did draw me in. Then, discovering the author wrote "Corduroy" added interest also, for some reason, maybe due to the diversity.
I had a little trouble "understanding" the ending. It was in looking for a review to see if I missed something that I discovered the authors other works.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the creator of kids' classic "Corduroy," the story of a split personality. Light and heavy in equal measures and a hack of a lot of fun. Terrific early "graphic novel."

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

terrific graphic novel from the fifties.a businessman breaks from his deadly, dull 9-5 life for a day.

[Whatsupchuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very creative, simplistic novel about a man with two halves. One is miserable in an office, the other is an ambitious artist.