Review - Wilson

Wilson
by Daniel Clowes
Drawn and Quarterly

Wilson is a social misfit who isn't very nice. In the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes, the titular character Wilson, though self centered, abrasive and lacking any understanding of societal rules, is looking for something beyond his life and perhaps something that might justify his existence in the world. I know, that sounds deep. But that's the best part of the works by Daniel Clowes. They are funny with their very black humor. But they are also poignant if you want to read deeper into the story.

The book starts with Wilson commenting on people and situations around him. Talking to strangers in the coffee house about their job. Or berating people while he walks his dog Pepper. But when his father dies, Wilson is thrown for an existential look looking for love and the meaning of life. This leads to his finding his ex-wife, and the teenage daughter she put up for adoption after she was born. With surprises and plot twists that lead Wilson in unexpected ways, he remains true to his principles, however misguided they may be.

The art style Daniel Clowes uses changes from page to page. Sometimes cartoony, others times more realistic, the effect on the story is that each page is like a little vignette from Wilsons life. Each page has 6 or 7 panels. And though there is an over reaching story that ties all the pages together, the brilliance of each page keeps the reader interested.

I would definetly add this book to any public library making sure it was not in the children's or teen area. Wilson does like to swear. And he has very little filtering his mouth. So younger readers might not appreciate his as much as adults.