errrannnnnuuuuuuu

I'm a real fan of Vic Reeves, so when I heard he had written and illustrated his own book I got a little bit excited. I knew that it would be full of inane witterings about silly stuff but also a great deal of comedy. I went into Waterstones to find it and stood a good few minutes flicking through the pages, and laughing to myself. I felt he comes across in a far more intelligent way in his illustrations than he does in person (or in character should I say because his real name is James Rod Moir). The book itself is useless as an encyclopedia because it doesn't contain any real fact, just weird and stupid reasonings for things. However, I feel there is alot of strength in his artwork, in that it is surreal but incredibly detailed. Visually the book works as there is a powerful style of illustration and you tend to admire the artwork over the comedic notations in most cases. I really like his approach in bookwriting, it is an interesting read and has fantastic visual result. I would definitely recommend.



"Fins on fishes assist them in their underwater shenanigans"

A Series....

Of Unfortunate Events are a series of 12 children's books written by Lemony Snickett. They centre around the ' unfortunate events' that occur for the Baudelaire siblings in an incredibly dreary and dull world.

I feel here that Lemony Snickett has got it 100% right in every element of his work; literature, film, web design, illustration and overall representation of his own character as the writer. There is fantasy in the way he writes and also as the writer where he has developed his own character to be intertwined amongst the stories. As sad as it sounds, I frequently find myself on the website, to see what's new and to take in any additional material posted there. Snickett has adopted a fearful, nervous concept where he warns his readers that his stories will not make you happy but rather sad instead. I find it interesting that such negative literature can entice children so well, there is a great deal of sorrow in the stories where the characters try to overcome the terrible situations they are in.

The books are illustrated by Brett Helquist, who has a distinct pencilled illustrative style. I love his beautifully intricate work which seems to work entirely in sync with the concept.. the website has a whole section on Helquist.

This series was recently made into a film, where all twelve were condensed into one movie featuring Jim Carrey. Directed by Brad Silberling, the movie captures the style perfectly with its own eccentric influence. I like that you can't tell what time it is set in as there are many contradictions in place to throw you off a bit, for example the characters are dressed in victorian dress yet there are many mod-cons used in the set design etc. - this makes it truly imaginative.



http://www.countolaf.com/ an AMAZING website displaying the character Count Olaf; fully interactive and engaging.

http://www.lemonysnicket.com/ captures the whole concept, every detail considered.

naughty Robert.

This short story is another example of how quirky macabre writing and stylised illustration can work exceptionally well. I got this book for my birthday, my boyfriend saw it in a book shop and thought it would be something I'd appreciate, its something of a 'cult classic' according to the abstract. The illustration remind me of the work Quentin Blakes did for Roald Dahl, a sketchy and freakish style of drawing.

It's a thoroughly captivating story with a weird theme, perhaps even a bit sick at times! Its definitely not suitable for children, especially as the story features torture and pain - I feel this is an interesting concept as the adult readers are reading something scary in a child's setting where you wouldn't expect such a thing, much like displaced normality. This genre does bring out of the child in some readers, particularly the idea of fantasy worlds where anything is possible. I think that because the story is so far-fetched, it doesnt matter how frightening or strange the subject matter gets, it works because the adults reading it are enjoying it with a large pinch of salt and appreciating the break from the norm.

Struwwelpeter

I was given this book as a child by my grandparents, however my mum thought it was too horrific and hid it away until only recently..! It was written by Heinrich Hoffman in 1845 for German children and then translated and sold in England by the 1960's. It tells tales (horror stories!) of naughty children and their comeuppances, showing examples of brutal punishment and terrifying discipline. Perhaps Hoffmann aimed to frighten children into believing the punishment suffered by the characters would come to them if they didn't behave.

Aside from this, I now admire the strength in the illustrations and concept. There's something quite eccentric about the characters which suits the strictness of the subject matter. I can only describe this as the makings of your childhood bad dream yet there is an element of comedy to it also in that the scenarios are so ridiculous - but definitely make an impression.

Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy

This collection of short but morbid stories were created by Tim Burton. They each deliver a fable/warning tale and are in repsonse to the happy-ever-after tales told to children across the world. They are written in verse, detailing the grisly circumstances and occurrences of the characters, each accompanied by illustrations. I am an avid follower of all things Tim Burton, his use of line and colour in his illustrations is extremely shrewd and I feel, ingeniously designed. There is a strong stylised formula to all Tim Burton work, it is easily recognisable and highly creative. He applies this concept in his film work also, which tend to lie in the dark, imaginative fantasy genre.