I should say that the artwork and technical craft of this book are outstanding. Eisner's skill as a sequential artist is impressive, and any student of the medium could learn a lot from his artistic techniques.
Despite this, I cannot give the book a high rating, due to the alarmingly outdated attitudes expressed in the narrative.
Misogyny, child abuse, and general violence are rampant in this book, and not questioned at all. You will see a prostituted little girl being blamed for the actions of the men who (want to) abuse her, with her being depicted as a "wicked Jezebel" sort of character, despite being a child. We're supposed to be sympathetic to the sick pervert she steals money from.
There is domestic violence and alcoholism, with a wife and child being beaten up on by their vicious husband/father because he wants to drink in peace before returning to his wealthy mistress.
There is also a rape scene, which is horrible enough until you realise the author doesn't care that a man just tried to rape an innocent victim - Eisner writes the "good guy" as berating the rapist for not successfully completing the rape, and suggests he needs mental help because of that, and NOT because he is a rapist! Pretty horrifying stuff, and reveals a lot about the misogynist attitudes held by Eisner.
Very disturbing book that is best looked at as a relic of another era, and the product of a damaged mind. Go to it for drawing/cartooning tips only. 2 stars.
Despite this, I cannot give the book a high rating, due to the alarmingly outdated attitudes expressed in the narrative.
Misogyny, child abuse, and general violence are rampant in this book, and not questioned at all. You will see a prostituted little girl being blamed for the actions of the men who (want to) abuse her, with her being depicted as a "wicked Jezebel" sort of character, despite being a child. We're supposed to be sympathetic to the sick pervert she steals money from.
There is domestic violence and alcoholism, with a wife and child being beaten up on by their vicious husband/father because he wants to drink in peace before returning to his wealthy mistress.
There is also a rape scene, which is horrible enough until you realise the author doesn't care that a man just tried to rape an innocent victim - Eisner writes the "good guy" as berating the rapist for not successfully completing the rape, and suggests he needs mental help because of that, and NOT because he is a rapist! Pretty horrifying stuff, and reveals a lot about the misogynist attitudes held by Eisner.
Very disturbing book that is best looked at as a relic of another era, and the product of a damaged mind. Go to it for drawing/cartooning tips only. 2 stars.
