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Island of Memory: Wild Man – The Natural History of Georg Wilhelm Steller
ISLAND OF MEMORY, T Edward Bak's first volume of WILD MAN - The Natural History of Georg Wilhelm Steller, examines the human condition within the natural order at the extremes of the unknown. Part natural history, part adventure yarn and part experimental narrative, this 72-page full-color fever dream is the artistic realization of Bak's inquiry into the socio-ecological consequences of empire.
72 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
About the author
T. Edward Bak
6 books13 followersCartoonist T Edward Bak has always been drawn to nature and travel. A native of Colorado and long-time Oregon resident he typically explores themes of western North America in his work. His comics are featured in various critically-acclaimed anthologies, including Drawn & Quarterly Showcase, The Best American Comics, and Mome.
ISLAND OF MEMORY is T Edward Bak's first graphic novel.
ISLAND OF MEMORY is T Edward Bak's first graphic novel.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 25, 2014
We begin with a quote, from Seneca - "There is nothing dead in nature" - and we see four pages of sea life: otters, birds, crabs and sea weed. The colors are muted, but there is a lush feeling to the images. Then there is a colored band with similar figures down the center of a stark black and white page. The otters are still there, but a ship enters, and soon we have humans.
The narrative goes back and forth between Alaska and Russia. Sometimes there is color, though never overpowering. There is often an awkwardness to the human figures, especially in Russia. The most beautiful work seems to go to the Russian animals, but it is interesting watching the artistic style change. Sometimes we know we are in a memory or a dream, and sometimes there is something else entirely. I think the last few pages function more as a vision.
There is a sense of foreboding that things can't go well. There are very harsh elements for the expedition. There are always storms coursing through the work, and foxes breaking up dreams and digging up graves, yet the Russian society is clearly full of threats too, and the formality with which the are approached is kind of more chilling than the snow.
It is very clear that this is just one volume of a longer work. Even if that were not specified on the last page, there are just many things that we don't know. It is not merely not knowing what is going to happen from this point in the story, but there are things in the past that are only hinted at. That may be a little overdone - it might work to let some things be more clear - but that depends on how it will all take shape.
It's interesting in that we all know names like Stellar and Bering, but we don't really know much about them. This is a chance to learn more, and to see some compelling artwork. I do love the otters, but I really want to see the sea cows.
The narrative goes back and forth between Alaska and Russia. Sometimes there is color, though never overpowering. There is often an awkwardness to the human figures, especially in Russia. The most beautiful work seems to go to the Russian animals, but it is interesting watching the artistic style change. Sometimes we know we are in a memory or a dream, and sometimes there is something else entirely. I think the last few pages function more as a vision.
There is a sense of foreboding that things can't go well. There are very harsh elements for the expedition. There are always storms coursing through the work, and foxes breaking up dreams and digging up graves, yet the Russian society is clearly full of threats too, and the formality with which the are approached is kind of more chilling than the snow.
It is very clear that this is just one volume of a longer work. Even if that were not specified on the last page, there are just many things that we don't know. It is not merely not knowing what is going to happen from this point in the story, but there are things in the past that are only hinted at. That may be a little overdone - it might work to let some things be more clear - but that depends on how it will all take shape.
It's interesting in that we all know names like Stellar and Bering, but we don't really know much about them. This is a chance to learn more, and to see some compelling artwork. I do love the otters, but I really want to see the sea cows.
September 18, 2015
A lot of work went into this historical graphic novel. It's always so refreshing to see someone so engaged and excited about history and their work! Loved the artwork.
July 18, 2014
Lovely art, well-suited to the subject, and quietly tense dialogue.
It seems almost unfair to give this one a rating, since it's clearly only the initial chapter of a much larger work -- and the shape of that larger work isn't yet obvious. Still, I can't wait to read the next volume.
It seems almost unfair to give this one a rating, since it's clearly only the initial chapter of a much larger work -- and the shape of that larger work isn't yet obvious. Still, I can't wait to read the next volume.
February 20, 2020
The first chapter of a much larger work. This comic explores the life to
natural historian Georg Steller. The story moves between romantic playfulness in Russia to the quiet and haunting tundras of the Arctic. We gain a sense of Steller as a man of grand ideas who doubts he’s made the right decision to follow through on them.
Color palette is muted and consistent throughout and it’s drawn beautifully.
I’d like to read more of this work! It’s a shame this is only an initial chapter.
natural historian Georg Steller. The story moves between romantic playfulness in Russia to the quiet and haunting tundras of the Arctic. We gain a sense of Steller as a man of grand ideas who doubts he’s made the right decision to follow through on them.
Color palette is muted and consistent throughout and it’s drawn beautifully.
I’d like to read more of this work! It’s a shame this is only an initial chapter.
January 7, 2018
Les illustrations sont sincèrement magnifiques, mais le volume 1 est trop court pour véritablement se laisser emporter par le récit.
July 24, 2018
I don't know what I read. Leaps through time, unmemorable characters... I found it rambling and chaotic and not worth it.
March 26, 2020
Great first chapter of an arctic adventure story (will we ever see more?) I liked all the blue foxes running around terrorizing the crew.
March 6, 2016
History as meditation.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews