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| | Issue #19.39 :: 04/23/2008 - 04/29/2008 | One Nation, Oh My God!
| BY J. EDWARD SUMERAU
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AUGUSTA, GA. - In the spirit of honesty, the latest collection of cartoons by Jen Sorensen should have a disclaimer at the front of the book warning would be readers of the hilarity held within the pages. From the opening panel’s beautiful observations upon changing terminology to the side-splitting satirical genius displayed throughout the rest of the work, “Slowpoke: One Nation Oh My God” is certain to please anyone with a taste for satire, politics or just-plain-old-fashion-knee-slapping absurdist humor. A brilliant collection, and a pleasure to digest, Sorenson has outdone herself with her latest book.
Originating as a comic book in 1998, Slowpoke is the brainchild of cartoonist Jen Sorensen. A witty view of the inner-workings of American politics and media, Slowpoke can be found weekly in alternative newspapers around the country, and is featured in The Village Voice, The Los Angeles Times and Ms. Magazine just to name a few. Living in Charlottesville, Va., and a member of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, Sorensen has published to prior Slowpoke collections that received national praise.
It’s hard to find a beginning for a synopsis of this collection. Whether we focus on the Marketing Plan For Enlightenment or the penalties for uninformed citizens, the brazing wit of Sorensen is on full display throughout the work. One dose of Phillip Morris upcoming ads for youth smokers, a listing of upcoming box sets on the ever-expanding regurgitation of the music scene, or the Field Guide To Magnetic Ribbons will be enough of a prescription to leave readers begging for air between heaping bursts of laughter.
Perfectly placed arguments concerning the nature of freedom, the actions of government, and the follies of mass media compliment any fan of political discourse while providing humorous possibilities built on realistic concerns.
With a touch for extravagance, Sorensen is able to foresee the deepest, darkest depths of absurd possibility in every action undertaken in the country, and with a crisp vision for humor, she offers up an unlimited barrage of incredible occurrences based on the question “what if.”
Not one to fear controversy, Sorensen attacks every possible issue with her satirical pen. After all, this book does contain a cartoon banned from prisons due to administrator fears of rioting, and considering the content of many of the panels, it isn’t hard to imagine Slowpoke providing anxiety for many conservative minds.
Available from major booksellers nationally, this work is a charming example of just how hilarious the pronouncements flooding the airwaves can be with a little thought. Complimented by commentary describing inspiration and concerns on every strip, Sorensen’s cartoons are a beautiful vacation into the land of absurd.
With 150 cartoons, Sorensen offers a true masterpiece of humorous social criticism filled with biting wit and fascinating absurdity.
Sorensen, Jen. “Slowpoke: One Nation Oh My God!” Introduction by Ruben Bolling. Brooklyn, New York: IG Publishing. 160pp. $13.95 Paper. ISBN: 9780978843168. | |
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