Space-Time Continuum
Clumsy
by Nicholas Ivan Ladendorf

Title: Clumsy

Creator(s): Jeffery Brown

Publisher: Top Shelf

Format: Graphic Novel

Price: $10

Pitch: Diary in comic form.

Two different questions come to mind when reading Clumsy; Is it good and is it enjoyable? Contrary to popular belief, these are two separate ideas. Clumsy is one of the many boy-meets-girl-loses-girl autobiographies that have been coming out of the periphery of the comic industry (In fact, artist Jeffery Brown has written two other stories in this genre). This isn't even the only example of the genre to come from artist/illustrator Jeffery Brown. These narratives depict the lives of actual people in flawed relationships, and offer a refreshing alternative to Hollywood.

Although Clumsy's cover claims that it is a “novel”, the book is actually a diary in comic form, not a long piece of fiction. Even as a graphic novel (which, strangely, can be non-fiction), Clumsy falls on its face, because it reads like a collection of journal entry comic strips and not a series of chapters in a book. The disjointed feel could have been effective in creating a sense of distance in the long-distance relationship in the story, but it does not succeed in doing so; Brown failed to have any type of transitional device between scenes.

Instead of creating a straightforward narrative, the writing is stream-of-consciousness. The story's technique of flashing forward and backwards within the relationship is occasionally successful (e.g. when a tender moment is depicted one panel after showing how the relationship failed). In general, however, it is disorienting and confusing.

The dialogue is the kind of mindless banter that nauseates us around couples in public places.

The raw illustrations themselves were quite strong. Perhaps the most impressive graphic element is Brown's consistently clear facial expressions and body language. Unfortunately, much of this was offset by Clumsy's rigid devotion to the six panel in two column layout. This repetitive layout not only slows the book down (almost to the point of tedium), it forces Brown to place panels that serve only as filler. Largely because of this, the storytelling itself is often boring.

Finally, it should be noted that No innovative or interesting “camera work” was used, making each scene overtly literal. Panel composition is pleasing but Brown has no variation in angle or length of the “shots” until forced to.

Despite all this, Clumsy's formalistic failings don't exclude it from having merit. Many of the things that I criticize lend to what people would expect to find in a boy-meets-girl-loses-girl story: a sense honesty/realism. The seemingly-adolescent art contributes to a sense of innocence and awkwardness. The tedious layouts perfectly imitate the way time slushes when in love (especially in a long distance relationship). And the dialogue may be insipid/inane, but it's the way real couples talk outside of pop culture.

At times, this book had an effect on me; I sometimes even felt embarrassed for myself when the story touched on something familiar. Overall, though, it doesn't read well. I should note that while writing this review I would randomly select a page, and be charmed into being fond of it. I' d recommend Clumsy to anyone who either really enjoys honest love stories…or those to whom the book is dedicated: “For everyone who has ever loved and lost.”

Post Script
Jeffery Brown has created a parody of his own work entitled “Be a man”, in which he rewrites the events of Clumsy in ways that shine a more macho light on him. Best of all, this small companion will set you back is an additional $3.