Title
Alec: The King Canute Crowd
Words by
Eddie Campbell
Art by
Eddie Campbell
Story
Art
Overall
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Alec: The King Canute CrowdIn a world where English language comics are obsessed with science fiction and superheroes, Eddie Campbell is a hearty blast of fresh air.
In this autobiographical book, the character of Alec MacGarry is based on Campbell himself. Alec works in a factory cutting sheets of metal. Here he meets Danny, who becomes his friend and drinking partner, their favourite pub being the insular King Canute of the title. Most of the story covers the drinking adventures of these two and their associates, as their friendship goes through its lifecycle. Although Alec is the eponymous narrator, you could probably argue that it's the relationship between Alec and Danny that is the main focus of the book.
Warm, touching, funny, sad and sometimes even a bit scary, the narrative takes you through good and bad times. Campbell's simple layout helps keep the narrative flowing even when the story is flitting around in time and space. And although the quality of the pen and ink drawing is basic in comparison to some of the painted artistry we see elsewhere in the medium, this simple style gives the book much of its charm.
The King Canute Crowd is a sedentary tale that developed throughout Campbell's twenties, so readers in the midst of or just finishing this decade will probably get the most out of this gentle yarn of boozy friendship. Even then it won't be to everyone's taste, but if you fancy something a little more literary than your average comic, The King Canute Crowd should fit the bill.
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Published by
Eddie Campbell Comics
First published
2000
Originally published as
Various
ISBN
0-9577896-0-2
Links
Official
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