World Record Holders

by Guy Delisle, Helge Dascher (Translator), Rob Aspinall (Translator)

Universally beloved cartoonist Guy Delisle showcases a career-spanning collection of his work with a sly sense of humor and warm characterization. Before Delisle became an international superstar with his globe-hopping travelogues, he was an animator experimenting with the comics form. Always aware of the elasticity of the human form and honing his keen observer’s eye, young Delisle created hilarious set pieces.

World Record Holders ranges from wistful childhood nostalgia to chagrined post-fame encounters, touching on formally ambitious visual puns and gut-busting what-ifs. Delisle again and again shows how life is both exhilarating and embarrassing. Delisle visits an exhibition of his work in another country and is confronted by an angry spouse who blames him for destroying her marriage. A juvenile game of Bows and Arrows turns menacing as arrows shot straight up in the air turn into barely visible missiles of death. A coded message from space creates different reactions from different people—debates, dance festivals, gallery shows. Translated by Helge Dascher.

Contents [2022 English edition]
• The First Panel -- Lapin 33, 2002
• Single File -- Le cri du Margouillat no. 22, 1997
• Ka-klick -- Le cri du Margouillat no. 28, 2000
• The Floating Dog's Tale -- Lapin 9, 1995
• The Bold and the Beautiful -- Comment ne rien faire, 2007
• A . . . -- Lapin 16, 1997
• Ha Ha! Very Creative -- Lapin 18, 1998
• Youri & Youri -- Lapin 14, 1997
• Sweet Revenge -- Lapin 17, 1997
• My Best Tie -- Lapin 11, 1996
• Solid Ground -- Lapin 19, 1998
• World Record Holders -- Lapin 13, 1996
• The Sleeping Giant -- Lapin 12, 1996
• Summer Vacation -- Spoutnik 1, 1998
• The Tragic Destiny of the Toy Farm Animals -- Spoutnik 2, 2000
• Some Days -- Comment ne rien faire, 2007
• Airported -- Comix 2000, 2000
• Spaghetti -- Spoutnik 5, 2004
• Bows and Prostations -- Lapin 34, 2004
• How to Do Nothing -- Lapin 22, 1998
• Opening Night -- Papier, 2014
• The Last Panel -- Lapin 29, 2001

Genres: Graphic Novels, Bande Dessinée, Comics, Short Stories, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Comic Book

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Born in Quebec, Canada, Guy Delisle studied animation at Sheridan College. Delisle has worked for numerous animation studios around the world, including CinéGroupe in Montreal.

Drawing from his experience at animation studios in China and North Korea, Delisle's graphic novels Shenzen and Pyongyang depict these two countries from a Westerner's perspective. A third graphic novel, Chroniques Birmanes, recounts his time spent in Myanmar with his wife, a Médecins Sans Frontières administrator.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally like Guy Delisle's work, but this collection of short stories from the late 1990s and early 2000s just didn't work for me. Too many of the attempts at humor rely on absurdity or nonsense, and it's almost all flights of fancy instead of the nonfiction stuff for which he has gained renown.

For completists only.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents [2022 English edition]
• The First Panel -- Lapin 33, 2002
• Single File -- Le cri du Margouillat no. 22, 1997
• Ka-klick -- Le cri du Margouillat no. 28, 2000
• The Floating Dog's Tale -- Lapin 9, 1995
• The Bold and the Beautiful -- Comment ne rien faire, 2007
• A . . . -- Lapin 16, 1997
• Ha Ha! Very Creative -- Lapin 18, 1998
• Youri & Youri -- Lapin 14, 1997
• Sweet Revenge -- Lapin 17, 1997
• My Best Tie -- Lapin 11, 1996
• Solid Ground -- Lapin 19, 1998
• World Record Holders -- Lapin 13, 1996
• The Sleeping Giant -- Lapin 12, 1996
• Summer Vacation -- Spoutnik 1, 1998
• The Tragic Destiny of the Toy Farm Animals -- Spoutnik 2, 2000
• Some Days -- Comment ne rien faire, 2007
• Airported -- Comix 2000, 2000
• Spaghetti -- Spoutnik 5, 2004
• Bows and Prostations -- Lapin 34, 2004
• How to Do Nothing -- Lapin 22, 1998
• Opening Night -- Papier, 2014
• The Last Panel -- Lapin 29, 2001

[Théo d'Or]

[ ..Mémoires d'un Expert en Rien Faire ..]

Aujourd'hui, j'ai atteint un niveau de maîtrise exceptionnel dans l'art subtil de ne rien faire. Je me suis levé à l'aube, ou plutôt, je me suis retourné dans mon lit pour trouver la position optimale de non-action.
Voici mes conseils pour devenir un expert en rien faire :

1. La Position du Lotus Inactif :
Ferme les yeux et imagine que tu médites. C'est la quintessence de la non-action.

2. La Sieste Stratégique :
Allonge-toi sur le canapé, ferme les yeux et prétends que tu réfléchis à des problèmes existentiels. En réalité, tu rêves des plages pleines de seins nus.

3. La Conversation Vide :
Appelle un ami et dis : " Salut ! Je pensais à toi ! " . Laisse ensuite un silence gênant s'installer . Tu viens de créer une interaction sociale sans effort. Bravo !

4. La Lecture Nonchalante :
Prends un livre épais, ( Comment ne rien Faire ) , et pose-le sur tes genoux. Ouvre-le à une page au hasard et fixe les mots comme le chat qui regarde la souris. T'es maintenant un intellectuel en herbe, même si c'est difficile à croire.

Je vais maintenant retourner à ma méditation sur le plafond. Ne pas déranger. Je médite sur la connerie humaine, et cela risque de prendre du temps. À propos, c'est bizarre qu'il y ait autant d'humains et si peu d'humanité.

[Drew Canole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short comics be Delisle, mostly from the late 90s early 00s. Not sure why they're finally publishing these now!

They're pretty unusual for Deslisle, showing his more comedic side but not as overtly comedic as his User's Guide series.

It feels experimental, the art style varies. It's hit or miss. I found the title story hard to get through, just a bunch of random "World Records" that didn't really make any sense. It's only a 4 page strip too.

Forgettable and really only for Delisle completionists.

[Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

This look at some of Delisle’s early work is truly a treat. I like the diversity of styles (it looks different and more varied from his later, more established and recognizable style). We can see the influence of his previous work in animation and an early signature in the dynamic angles and sequences, it’s an almost cinematic storytelling at times.

Strongly recommended, especially if you’re a Delisle fan

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

A huge letdown in comparison to Guy Delisle's more structured works, World Record Holders is a grab-bag of his early short comics. Most are incoherent and aggressively unfunny, clear first attempts at the craft of comic-creation. A handful contain interesting snippets from Delisle's life, but these are more than buried by the boring/bland stuff. Completionists only.

[Éric Pauzé · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certaines des courtes histoires sont très drôles, songées, mais l'absence de fil conducteur rend la lecture moins agréable.

[Juan Fuentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recopilación de historietas varias con estilos muy diferentes y en ocasiones de vanguardia. Me ha gustado mucho.

[Melodie1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

De courtes histoires publiées préalablement dans divers magazines/revues. Je n'ai pas adoré, MAIS il est clair que Delisle est super talentueux. Il n'a pas qu'un style. On dirait que toutes ls histoires sont écrites et illustrées par quelqu'un de différent. Chapeau

[Mona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deux ou trois histoires excellentes, mais tout le reste m'a ennuyée.

[Denisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Experimentos y buenas historias. Me recuerda, junto con Kochalka, que se puede hacer un cómic sobre cualquier cosa.

[Carole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quelques bonnes planches, mais pour la plupart sans intérêt.

[Élise Massé · Rating 3 out of 5]

C'était ok ! Mais j'aime définitivement mieux le style de Delisle aujourd'hui qu'au début des années 2000.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This collection of early graphic stories from Delisle falls short. It was sort of fun to see the progression of his skill and storytelling abilities but may of these feel like sketches or are incomplete.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing if uneven walk through DeLisle’s cartooning career that spans the development of his styles and themes over the years. I still prefer his non-fic travelogues more though, and am glad that’s what all this sweat equity led to.

[Annie Thériault · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quelques bonnes planchers, des styles variés, mais aucun fil conducteur.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like his style of drawing and storytelling. He has a different way of looking at the world.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Artistic story that can feel abstract

[Olavia Kite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entretenido. Un poco random. Las historias de la vida del autor son más divertidas que las historias inventadas. Aquella donde conoce a José Muñoz es genial.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of the Canadian cartoonist’s comic strips, ranging from 1995 to 2014. Delisle’s signature colors prevail, which are variations on black and white. Dark humor characterizes most of the stories, which mostly comment on the vagaries of modern life – the power of the paparazzi, self-image, art, extraterrestrial life, and even botany. One memorable story, entitled “How to Do Nothing,” shows various characters and their record times spent seated, standing, slouching, etc., and veers towards existentialism. The stories are just a few pages long, and depict people in who are definitely having a bad day. A darkly humorous foray into this artist’s preoccupations with modern life.

It’s just not my preferred brand of humor.

[Nacho.gb · Rating 1 out of 5]

It looks like the Guy Deslisle's draft published: while Guía del mal padre and Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea made me laugh a lot, this book was like to understand some process of Guy, but not so funny. Totally dispensable.

[Emilia P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! I think I got about 70% of this, which is pretty darn good. But also, Guy Delisle just knows how to poke fun at himself and the world while still being just a touch philosophical. And he's got a light but confident touch as an illustrator that adds to the joy of reading him. One of my faves, whatever he does.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of some of Delisle's early works (1995-2006), where he experiments with different styles and techniques.
I really liked some stories and disliked others. Wouldn't recommend reading unless you're already a Delisle fan - in which case you'll find it interesting :)

[Rui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Côté obscure de Guy Delisle! Après le démissionnement, il paraît qu'il a vécu un période de n'importe quoi (en terme de genre de BD). L'histoire bizarre, mais cool. Il est vraiment polyvalent.

[Kekorebeko · Rating 1 out of 5]

1,5
Historias poco atractivas, en muchos casos totalmente carentes de gracia; esto aderezado con alguna que otra pincelada de machismo. Alguna que otra se salva.
No recomendado.

[Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historietas cortas de Guy Delisle. Algunas son graciosas.

[Florian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Des histoires courtes aux styles très variés. Forcément certaines plaisent plus que d'autres, mais toutes sont empreintes d'une certaine poésie...

[Emilie Champagne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sympathique, mais on aimerait que ça aille plus loin.

[Marien Ortiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historias un poco raras, se nota que muchas son experimentos. El dibujo me gusta mucho, es sencillo, fluído y muy expresivo.

[Gary Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy draws like he's storyboarding a Bellini film

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Просто сборник работ Делиля с древнейших времён. Некоторые стрипы датированы аж 1990-ми. Занятно, что его стиль, оказывается, менялся, человеческие фигурки имели разный вид. По содержанию: некоторые работы непонятны совсем, видимо, там надо знать какой-то контекст. Некоторые понятны, но путуги на шутки вяленькие. Несколько работ прямо хорошие, к примеру, где он приехал, как он думал, на фестиваль, а оказалось, что владелец книжного привёз его на свои деньги для выступления. Героя селят в комнате для гостей, а ночью он сталкивается на кухне с хозяйкой дома. Она негодует на него, и он узнаёт весь раскад, и мы сочувствуем героине, что муж поступил безрассудно и потратил семейные деньги. Но потом оказывается, что женщина была бы не против, если это был бы её любимый иллюстратор, а не он. Забавная история, интересно, произошла ли она на самом деле - всё же Делиль прежде всего документалист? В любом случе - забавно. Ну и что уж там, я была рада новой книге любимого автора, насмотря ни на что.