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La vita secondo Woody Allen
Woody Allen's classic neurosis, humorous life philosophy, and complex relationships, are embodied in the classic comic strip "Inside Woody Allen," syndicated daily by King Features from 1976 to 1984, illustrated by Stuart Hample. Dread & Superficiality: Woody Allen as Comic Strip is a compilation of 220 of the best of the comic's comics, all reproduced from the original art, along with sketches, photographs, and development work. An all-new preface by Hample provides a rare glimpse into the creation of this material, revealing a long-overlooked facet of Allen's career that is smart and funny and as timeless as the man who has inspired a generation with his unique vision.
“Dread & Superficiality is a must for Woody Allen fans, both for its reminder of how iconic he used to be, and for Hample’s frank introduction, in which he writes about working with Allen in the early days of the strip.”
–The Onion A/V Club
“…this thorough collection is an unexpected delight. As a primer for would-be cartoonists, the text provides great insights into the development of this sadly dying art form.”
–Miami Herald
“Dread & Superficiality is a must for Woody Allen fans, both for its reminder of how iconic he used to be, and for Hample’s frank introduction, in which he writes about working with Allen in the early days of the strip.”
–The Onion A/V Club
“…this thorough collection is an unexpected delight. As a primer for would-be cartoonists, the text provides great insights into the development of this sadly dying art form.”
–Miami Herald
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Stuart E. Hample
27 books2 followersBetter known as Stoo Hample, was an American children's book author, performer, playwright and cartoonist.
His "Children's letters to God" is an international best seller.
His "Children's letters to God" is an international best seller.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 2, 2021
I’ve always been interested in the art of comic strips, and this (a Christmas present) is something of a curiosity – a collection of strips featuring Woody Allen as basically himself, or at least the neurotic persona self that was the basis of his early stand-up and film work. Allen didn’t write the strip, but he was involved in its production, supplying ideas to artist Stuart Hample and consulting him on the strip’s development. It ran for eight years in hundreds of newspapers; I vaguely remember seeing a few in print somewhere, though not in my hometown paper, which didn’t carry it. Anyway, the strip covered the kinds of topics you’d expect an Allen strip to cover – insane parents, failed relationships, psychoanalyst sessions and philosophy jokes.
And … well, I’m tempted to say your enjoyment of this will depend largely on whether you find Allen’s stand-up or 70s films funny (to say nothing of your opinion of Allen’s controversial private life). On the other hand, I do like his stand-up work and early 70s stuff, and I found this to be pretty lame. Hample himself admits that this was at least partly the product of the King Features Syndicate pushing for a mainstream strip, while Allen wanted the strip to be more surreal, weird and original. King Features generally won that argument, and it shows.
It doesn’t help that the strip was mainly written by a small team of writers, which may explain the inconsistency of the strip. There are a few good ones here, but most are your average comic strip gags. In the end, despite Allen’s involvement, it’s an ersatz version of him. Still, it’s an interesting bit of comic-strip history. Indeed, arguably the most interesting thing here is Hample’s preface explaining how the strip got started and why it’s not as good as it could have been. And then there’s the “introduction” by R. Buckminster Fuller: a surreal comic that he wrote and drew himself that starts by explaining the nature of the universe and segues to Allen’s role in it. It’s bonkers, and more interesting than any of the Allen strips. Maybe Bucky should have written them instead.
And … well, I’m tempted to say your enjoyment of this will depend largely on whether you find Allen’s stand-up or 70s films funny (to say nothing of your opinion of Allen’s controversial private life). On the other hand, I do like his stand-up work and early 70s stuff, and I found this to be pretty lame. Hample himself admits that this was at least partly the product of the King Features Syndicate pushing for a mainstream strip, while Allen wanted the strip to be more surreal, weird and original. King Features generally won that argument, and it shows.
It doesn’t help that the strip was mainly written by a small team of writers, which may explain the inconsistency of the strip. There are a few good ones here, but most are your average comic strip gags. In the end, despite Allen’s involvement, it’s an ersatz version of him. Still, it’s an interesting bit of comic-strip history. Indeed, arguably the most interesting thing here is Hample’s preface explaining how the strip got started and why it’s not as good as it could have been. And then there’s the “introduction” by R. Buckminster Fuller: a surreal comic that he wrote and drew himself that starts by explaining the nature of the universe and segues to Allen’s role in it. It’s bonkers, and more interesting than any of the Allen strips. Maybe Bucky should have written them instead.
February 7, 2014
Comic strips are the highest form of pure entertainment.
It's true. I've thought about this for awhile. It occurred to me rereading Get Fuzzy books that I was into awhile ago. I had read the words a thousand times, but I realized I never looked at the pictures. Isn't that what comic strips are really all about? And as I went through Get Fuzzy, sometimes I would just laugh at Satchel's expressions or the little marks that indicate Bucky's movement, and those alone would make me laugh.
Just in case you're wondering, if comic strips are the highest form of entertainment, porn is the lowest and roller coasters are right in the middle. This doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy it as much, but there's a more commendable effort behind comic books, and personally the highest in pure entertainment. (Movies and television I see as a category separate from entertainment)
When have you seen an artsy porn flick? Or a troubled roller-coaster designer, set out to make a roller coaster that will be respected for its artistic majesticity or flourish? They aren't to be thought about on a deeper level, they're pure entertainment for the purpose of entertaining.
Dread and Superficiality, however, has another hand to it. Yes, it is funny. Funnier than you would ever believe. It's a comic strip about Woody Allen, for christ's sake. But it gets pretty real in there too, almost with a subtlety that could be missed (as the author explained in the forward, that's why Allen occasionally bombed clubs in his early years). I'd say this book requires some thought to reading it, compared to Get Fuzzy. I love them both, maybe equally, but for totally different reasons.
I might just have a bias to Woody Allen. What can I say? He's a hilarious guy, and he still is. He's also shown his serious too, like in Interiors and Match Point, films with no comedy whatsoever. I like that side of Woody too. This book finds good middle ground, like he was successful with in Annie Hall and Manhattan. If I wanted to watch something thought-provoking one day and hilarious another, I could choose the same movie. And I have.
All in all, it's a fantastic collection. The rough cuts of the comics gives it a genuine feel to it. The character--self-depreciating, self-loathing, self-contradicting--is an exact replica of a young Woody Allen. Snarky, deep, hilarious thoughtful. He deals with, yes, the dreadful and the superficial, and yet you wonder how he gets these beautiful women. These women that look like they could be porn stars looks like a guy who could be designing roller coasters.
But I digress.
It's true. I've thought about this for awhile. It occurred to me rereading Get Fuzzy books that I was into awhile ago. I had read the words a thousand times, but I realized I never looked at the pictures. Isn't that what comic strips are really all about? And as I went through Get Fuzzy, sometimes I would just laugh at Satchel's expressions or the little marks that indicate Bucky's movement, and those alone would make me laugh.
Just in case you're wondering, if comic strips are the highest form of entertainment, porn is the lowest and roller coasters are right in the middle. This doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy it as much, but there's a more commendable effort behind comic books, and personally the highest in pure entertainment. (Movies and television I see as a category separate from entertainment)
When have you seen an artsy porn flick? Or a troubled roller-coaster designer, set out to make a roller coaster that will be respected for its artistic majesticity or flourish? They aren't to be thought about on a deeper level, they're pure entertainment for the purpose of entertaining.
Dread and Superficiality, however, has another hand to it. Yes, it is funny. Funnier than you would ever believe. It's a comic strip about Woody Allen, for christ's sake. But it gets pretty real in there too, almost with a subtlety that could be missed (as the author explained in the forward, that's why Allen occasionally bombed clubs in his early years). I'd say this book requires some thought to reading it, compared to Get Fuzzy. I love them both, maybe equally, but for totally different reasons.
I might just have a bias to Woody Allen. What can I say? He's a hilarious guy, and he still is. He's also shown his serious too, like in Interiors and Match Point, films with no comedy whatsoever. I like that side of Woody too. This book finds good middle ground, like he was successful with in Annie Hall and Manhattan. If I wanted to watch something thought-provoking one day and hilarious another, I could choose the same movie. And I have.
All in all, it's a fantastic collection. The rough cuts of the comics gives it a genuine feel to it. The character--self-depreciating, self-loathing, self-contradicting--is an exact replica of a young Woody Allen. Snarky, deep, hilarious thoughtful. He deals with, yes, the dreadful and the superficial, and yet you wonder how he gets these beautiful women. These women that look like they could be porn stars looks like a guy who could be designing roller coasters.
But I digress.
June 1, 2014
V kůži Woodyho Allana je nádherná kniha. Nádherná formátem, materiálem a kresbami. Horší už je ten obsah. Woodyho vtípky jsou na mě asi až moc inteligentní :D
Každopádně si dokážu představit, že mám tuhle knihu doma a sem tam si v ní zalistuju. Je prostě nádherná!
Pokud jste fanoušci Woodyho, tak by se možná vyplatilo si knihu koupit. Pokud se chcete jen pokochat - knihovna bude stačit.
Mě osobně nejvíce zaujala předmluva autora. Bylo zajímavé zjisti podrobnosti o tom, jak tenhle komiks začal, ale také o tom, jak "tehdá" fungovaly noviny a časopisy. Z vlastní zkušenosti vím, jak jsou komiksové stripy pro Američany typické a jak moc důležité jsou v kulturní, politické a ekonomické historii.
Každopádně si dokážu představit, že mám tuhle knihu doma a sem tam si v ní zalistuju. Je prostě nádherná!
Pokud jste fanoušci Woodyho, tak by se možná vyplatilo si knihu koupit. Pokud se chcete jen pokochat - knihovna bude stačit.
Mě osobně nejvíce zaujala předmluva autora. Bylo zajímavé zjisti podrobnosti o tom, jak tenhle komiks začal, ale také o tom, jak "tehdá" fungovaly noviny a časopisy. Z vlastní zkušenosti vím, jak jsou komiksové stripy pro Američany typické a jak moc důležité jsou v kulturní, politické a ekonomické historii.
November 30, 2015
I started this and didn't want to finish. It was more or less torture. It is absolutely not funny, completely dull and overall disgusting.
September 15, 2012
Remarkably funny and entirely convincing...
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June 10, 2022
Overview:
Woody Allen was not always a success. Early on, many people did not understand Woody’s comedy, Woody’s humor. The humor was self-deprecating, witty, and intellectual. Showing a flawed and insecure person, who is very introspective. The humor was for those who understood the philosophical references. Woody did not want to underestimate the audience. Willing to lose part of an audience with esoteric references. Taking up the advice to keep trying, Woody kept practicing. Practicing boosted confidence, and created an understanding of how to captivate audiences.
Stuart Hample met Woody Allen before Woody became famous. As Hample wanted an alternative income, Hample decided to ask Woody about making comic strips about Woody. But by this time, Woody was famous, and did not need more money. Woody was resistant, but ended up accepting. Although most of the work was Hample’s, Hample was excited to get help with the jokes from Woody.
Caveats?
The quality of comedy is varied. Varied partly because of the individual background of the reader, because those who understand the humor will consider it having more quality. Some comic strips require understanding of their era. The humor sometimes needs more time to understand, while others can be quick to read and understand.
Woody Allen was not always a success. Early on, many people did not understand Woody’s comedy, Woody’s humor. The humor was self-deprecating, witty, and intellectual. Showing a flawed and insecure person, who is very introspective. The humor was for those who understood the philosophical references. Woody did not want to underestimate the audience. Willing to lose part of an audience with esoteric references. Taking up the advice to keep trying, Woody kept practicing. Practicing boosted confidence, and created an understanding of how to captivate audiences.
Stuart Hample met Woody Allen before Woody became famous. As Hample wanted an alternative income, Hample decided to ask Woody about making comic strips about Woody. But by this time, Woody was famous, and did not need more money. Woody was resistant, but ended up accepting. Although most of the work was Hample’s, Hample was excited to get help with the jokes from Woody.
Caveats?
The quality of comedy is varied. Varied partly because of the individual background of the reader, because those who understand the humor will consider it having more quality. Some comic strips require understanding of their era. The humor sometimes needs more time to understand, while others can be quick to read and understand.
February 27, 2023
I stumbled across this book by sheer chance. I had never even heard of this strip before and wish I had. If you like Woody Allen style of humor then this book will appeal to you. Many were written by Woody Allen himself, others were certainly done in the style. The main character is Woody Allen and the humor is his typical Jewish, neurotic, self debased style of humor straight out of his old stand-up routines. If you are looking for slice-of-life gags like Moose Miller, Beetle Bailey, or The Family Circus than this might not be for you.
June 23, 2023
Stuart E. Hamplen "Dread & Superficiality: Woody Allen as Comic Strip" (Harry N. Abrams, 2009) koostuu 1970-luvun lopussa ja 1980-luvun alussa julkaistuista sarjakuvastripeistä. Pidän kovasti tuon aikakauden Allen-elokuvista kuten Manhattanista tai Annie Hallista, mutta tässä formaatissa erilaisten neuroosien, naissuhteiden ja terapian ympärillä pyörivät jutut eivät jaksa huvitttaa kuin hetkittäin.
November 27, 2024
Recenzia v troch komiksových políčkach, Stuart Hample style.
1. Žena sedí na gauči s knihou na kolenách. Bublina:
" Kniha komiksov o Woody Allenovi vlastne nie je úplne zlý nápad..."
2. Tá istá scéna. Bublina:
" Niektoré komiksy dokonca celkom pobavia..."
3. Žena sa vzďaľuje smerom ku kinu, knihu odhadzuje za hlavu. Bublina:
" Nakoniec je ale oveľa lepšie pozrieť si nejaký Woodyho starý film. Nikto nevie vytvoriť lepšiu karikatúru Woodyho Allena, ako samotný Woody Allen."
1. Žena sedí na gauči s knihou na kolenách. Bublina:
" Kniha komiksov o Woody Allenovi vlastne nie je úplne zlý nápad..."
2. Tá istá scéna. Bublina:
" Niektoré komiksy dokonca celkom pobavia..."
3. Žena sa vzďaľuje smerom ku kinu, knihu odhadzuje za hlavu. Bublina:
" Nakoniec je ale oveľa lepšie pozrieť si nejaký Woodyho starý film. Nikto nevie vytvoriť lepšiu karikatúru Woodyho Allena, ako samotný Woody Allen."
April 13, 2021
Some really funny moments here, and a few gags that are beter developed in Woody's other work. He didn't write the toons but he did consult on them.
January 18, 2017
This is a collection of comics from an old and not very popular comic strip called Inside Woody Allen. That said if these comics represent the best, then it is no wonder it wasn't successful since many of the comics do not adequately reflect the comedy of Woody Allen, who rarely contributed to it. Still it was interesting if a little dated. I liked it personally, but then again I am a huge fan of Woody.
December 29, 2013
I rushed this book a bit and it'll be one of those charming books you'll pick up again but will love different parts and revisit, if not bookmark the funny parts.
I am a fan of Mr.Woody Allen so it comes as no surprise that I love the compiled comics.
Some strips had me in stitches and some deserved some howl. Some of the comics are more in reference to the character of Woody at the height of his career and one that is most familiar; drawing of Diane Keaton as Annie Hall wardrobe.
I love the introduction where Stuart Hample, the illustrator, explained the involvement of Woody's in the process of the production crediting his intellectualism and integrity to not be a sellout for consumerism; commentary of comic brilliance.
I enjoyed this compilation like I adore Woody Allen's movies and I think Stuart Hample did a remarkable feat to ink the fans love of the character on paper.
I am a fan of Mr.Woody Allen so it comes as no surprise that I love the compiled comics.
Some strips had me in stitches and some deserved some howl. Some of the comics are more in reference to the character of Woody at the height of his career and one that is most familiar; drawing of Diane Keaton as Annie Hall wardrobe.
I love the introduction where Stuart Hample, the illustrator, explained the involvement of Woody's in the process of the production crediting his intellectualism and integrity to not be a sellout for consumerism; commentary of comic brilliance.
I enjoyed this compilation like I adore Woody Allen's movies and I think Stuart Hample did a remarkable feat to ink the fans love of the character on paper.
March 20, 2012
This heavy, hardcover book, helped me develop my biceps while lying in bed.
I read it in the evenings before turning off the light and going to sleep feeling reassured that my own neurosis is nearly as comical as his, in this comic-strip self, only not as elocuent and brilliantly summarized.
I enjoyed the introduction tremedously as I never imagined how Woody Allen might have said yes to such a project. Not only did he say yes, but he mentored the artist all through the several hundred strips that ran from 1976 to 1984. His advice on humour is priceless.
From his lack of luck with women, his intellectual influences, his existential angst and his Jewish upbringing, each comic strip is an individual document on Woody's persona.
Extremely funny stuff.
I read it in the evenings before turning off the light and going to sleep feeling reassured that my own neurosis is nearly as comical as his, in this comic-strip self, only not as elocuent and brilliantly summarized.
I enjoyed the introduction tremedously as I never imagined how Woody Allen might have said yes to such a project. Not only did he say yes, but he mentored the artist all through the several hundred strips that ran from 1976 to 1984. His advice on humour is priceless.
From his lack of luck with women, his intellectual influences, his existential angst and his Jewish upbringing, each comic strip is an individual document on Woody's persona.
Extremely funny stuff.
January 19, 2015
Una divertida y entretenida recopilación de las mejores tiras cómicas de Woody Allen dibujadas por Stuart Hample a finales de los 70 y principios de los 80, aprovechando el hype por Annie Hall. Las historias son cortas, inteligentes y muy divertidas, pero este libro tiene un serio problema editorial: decidieron separar por temas cada capítulo, uno para reflexiones filosóficas, otro sobre fracasos con las mujeres, otro sobre su fama como autor y así, lo que hace que las historietas se tornen un poco repetitivas, al estar apiladas sobre el mismo contexto. Los gags son buenos pero dentro de esta dinámica se pierde parte del encanto.
August 7, 2013
Så lekkert utstyrt at ein kunne ønske at serien var ein god del betre. Vitsane var i mange høve lette å kjenne att frå standupen frå 10-20 år før serien, men teikningane... Hovudpersonen var ein ålreit karikatur av Allen, uttrykksfull og alt det der, men det rådande inntrykket er at Stuart Hample kunne bytta serier med Brant Parker og Johnny Hart utan at nokon hadde merka det.
January 14, 2016
Definitely Woody Allen in comic strip form. I hadn't ever heard of this strip. I did enjoy the art, and whatever your feelings about Woody Allen, his particular brand of neurotic humor continues to appeal to me. Worth a glance.
December 18, 2010
f-ing brilliant!!!
December 15, 2013
Prostě geniální a líbezné. Rozepsala jsem se ve své recenzi: Komiks č.5 - V kůži Woodyho Allena
March 4, 2014
V kůži Woody Allana
January 16, 2015
Woody Allen hecho tira cómica, no es necesario decir nada más.
June 30, 2016
This strip was a perfect fusion of Woody Allen's quirky humor and comic narrative. I loved it! I've always liked Woody Allen and enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews