Nadine Redlich's, "Doing the Work," is as Funny as it is Tragic

\In 2018 I admired the dark wit of Nadine Redlich's, "I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet," and in 2021 I loved the weird minimalism of her, "Stones," comic. Her latest book is, "Doing the Work," and as with the previous titles is being published by Rotopol. It assembles a number of strips from ones revisiting the rock in, "Stones," to pieces with birds, a dog that is alarmingly joyful while at the same time seeming a bit, "Off," weird representations of the human ego, and plenty of other comics that range from a single page to a handful.

There is a clever and intentional disconnect in some of the pieces as they are brightly illustrated while at the same time carrying an immense sadness or sense of dread. A man being interviewed is asked what superpower he'd pick if he could have any and after thinking declares, "Empathy." Someone working in an office checks their watch and notices it is the designated time to cry. A piece titled, "Happy Forever," features a cartoonish with an unending smile that almost looks more like a toothy scream than a vignette of joy. There is a nice sharp edge to the illustrations and while at first glance things look joyful with bold reds, yellows, and blues often featured, there is a melancholy undercurrent to Redlich's work once you look past the, "Cute," and see the hint of despondency sneaking in around the metaphorical edges. It's fantastic, in other words. It isn't all cynical, by any means, with some strips carrying a nice little bit of optimism to balance the book out, but the pieces with, "Bite," are the ones that really stuck with me.

"Doing the Work," impressed me with author Nadine Redlich's lovely illustrations that combine wonderfully with her sardonic wit. I'd encourage you to ask your local bookstore or comic shop to get you a copy--that or you can visit Rotopol's site if you'd like to order directly from them. I loved everything by Redlich I've read, so I can't wait for what she cooks up next!

5 out of 5 stars.

"Stones," by Nadine Redlich is Both Hilarious and Thoughtful

I have discussed loving the work of Nadine Redlich before. I adored her darkly witty, "I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet." She has a new comic coming out which is published by Rotopol (disclosure: I am on their press list and get comics for the purpose of review), and I had the chance to read it. Simply titled, "Stones," I loved this comic!

"Stones," is very minimalist, focusing on a stone that looks and talks at us, the reader. It sometimes is nice, sometimes is mean. Various events take place around the stone from caterpillars turning into butterflies, to seasons shifting, and so forth. Sometimes mere moments seem to pass, other times eons. As the stone points out, it has existed basically forever, that probably makes it tricky for the stone to keep exact track of time.

Redlich illustrates the stone and everything around it in a suitably cartoony manner, with the fun appearance of everything almost disguising a slight sadness at the thought of being stuck living eternally, with little to keep you company besides passing insects or the occasional human accidentally (maybe purposely) giving a kick. 

Even with a hint of melancholy vibes, "Stones," is still very funny while also making you think. Redlich is a fantastic cartoonist and I thank Rotopol for letting me know about this latest work and providing a chance to read and review it! You can find your own copy of, "Stones," available for order on their website. I rate, "Stones," a stupendous...

5 out of 5 stars.

I Loved the Dark Wit of, "I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet"

I was recently able to acquire a digital copy of the upcoming original graphic novel, "I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet." Published by the Germany-based Rotopol and written/illustrated by Nadine Redlich, it caught my eye with its quirky minimalist style as I of course love experimental comics. Having now read, "I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet," I loved the cynical humor found within the book (that also has just a hint of heart).

"I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet," is a twisted love-hate letter of sorts, written to an unspecified romantic partner, describing how they are self-obsessed, ugly, remind the writer (Redlich never specifies any names) of all sorts of hideous things, make the writer behave in ways they normally wouldn't, but it is clear they still have an affection for their partner even though if things go wrong in the relationship there will clearly be a lot of rage. Considering how many relationships have ups-and-downs it is entertaining to witness Redlich's writer-character discuss the mixture of feelings they have in regards to their partner, from evaluating their love's appearance to questioning the etiquette of farting in one another's presence.

Redlich's artwork tends to be minimalist-yet-expressive. Whether describing how her partner reminds her of a vase (then drawn as a toilet bowl), or using a drawing of a brick wall to illustrate the idea of personal boundaries, she only ever uses the color of a dark-red on otherwise bright-white space to create an attention-grabbing contrast. It works perfectly to get across her brutally-funny insights.

"I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet," has a great dark wit that offers a biting commentary on the world's concepts of idealized or, "Perfect love." Love is of course never perfect, it is messy, nasty, and full of conflict as well as immeasurable joy. Nadine Redlich portrays this expertly and the result is a fantastic comic! I give this a glowing...
5 out of 5 stars.
You can pre-order a copy of, "I Hate You--You Just Don't Know it Yet," at Rotopol's website!

Note: A copy of this graphic novel was provided by the publisher for the purposes of review.