Art Spiegelman is getting ready to unleash a comic on the world that he thinks could make even greater waves than his iconic story Maus. Over the last several decades, Spiegelman’s iconic work has been the subject of debates and controversy, but his upcoming project could make Maus’ reception pale in comparison.
Per Hyperallergic, Art Spiegelman spoke at the premiere of the documentary Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse and participated at a Q & A session. There he revealed that he was working on a new comic project with Joe Sacco (Palestine, Footnotes in Gaza) and that the subject would be about Gaza.
“I’ll finish this thing or die trying. I’ve never had a bigger wrestlting match inside my head. My superego says, ‘You must do this if you’re going to live with yourself’, and my id says, ‘Who wants the grief [of] being canceled by everyone on the planet?”
Spiegelman kept the details to himself, though he admitted it may struggle to find a publisher in the United States. Spiegelman also said that he’s even at war with himself, noting that he needs to tell the story, but fears that it may bring about worldwide backlash.
Maus Creator Art Spiegelman’s Next Project is about Gaza
Spiegelman is No Stranger to Controversial Receptions
Art Spiegelman is a cartoonist who worked for Topps (where he co-created Garbage Pail Kids) and was a well-known figure in the underground comix scene of the ’70s and ’80s. However, he gained national attention with the publication of Maus, a story based on his father’s life that heavily deals with his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. The story was critically lauded and is the first and only graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize. However, Maus was also criticized and even banned in some places, either due to its subject matter, its narrative choices or its adult material.
Those who have been paying attention to conflict in the Middle East know that it’s a sensitive subject to discuss. The Israel-Palestine conflict has been ongoing for years and in the last year, tempers have flared with the rise in deaths, particularly the deaths of children. Many creatives have spoken out on both sides of the conflict, but this upcoming project by Spiegelman will be an opportunity for him to air what his thoughts are on the current events in the Middle East. It’s a different world since Maus was first published, but Spiegelman’s perspective could be an interesting one.
Maus’ Creator is A Wise Storyteller, With a Unique Point of View
He Should Be Free to Air His Opinion
Spiegelman was lambasted by some for his frank portrayal of humanity in Maus, but that story was a genuine one, which is why it resonated so powerfully with readers for the last several decades. Is Spiegelman going to say or portray some things that are likely to upset people? Undoubtedly. But his thoughts and opinions on the Middle East are no less valid than anyone else’s. If anything, his experience with Maus should be welcomed and fans should approach his newest work with an open, if not cautious, mind.
Source: Hyperallergic