Monday, January 8, 2024

Book Review: Andy Warhol - A Graphic Biography


In 1962 Andy Warhol displayed 32 canvases of Campbell’s soup cans in a New York gallery and what we think of as art would never be the same again. But who was Andy Warhol? Where did he come from, what’s his story, and where did his incredible artistic journey begin and end?

Told in a colourful graphic novel format , Andy Warhol: A Graphic Biography first introduces us to an awkward young comic book obsessed boy from Pittsburgh. Following him as he grows up, moves to New York City, finds inspiration and conquers the creative world, we learn the innermost workings of Warhol – his delights, drives and frustrations, the artistic world he lived in, and the incredible way that he continually evolved as an artist.

This graphic novel biography, written by Michele Botton and illustrated by Marco Maraggi, will be released March 5, 2024. Quatro Publishing Group provided an early galley for review.

I have always found Warhol to be an interesting figure. Last year, I read several books about his work with the Velvet Underground. I certainly wanted to know more about the man behind so many artistic movements in the 60's and 70's.

Botton's narrative covers the key points of Warhol's life. It is a fairly quick read. Maraggi's artwork on the cover is what first caught my eye, and he delivers on that invitation throughout the book. I really enjoy how he mirrors some of Warhol's own artistic style in some of the panel layouts and colors.

Overall, this graphic novel serves as a good starting point for those who want to understand who Warhol was and what his contributions to the pop art movements were.

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