We are thrilled that Monica, the long-awaited new graphic novel from Daniel Clowes, is out today! Rich with visual detail, an impeccable ear for language and dialogue, and thrilling twists, Monica is a multilayered masterpiece in comics form that alludes to many of the genres that have defined the medium — war, romance, horror, crime, the supernatural, etc. — but in a mysterious, uncategorizable, and quintessentially Clowesian way that rewards multiple readings. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the reviews:
- “It is precisely Clowes’s lower-frequency sensitivities toward the suffering of his characters that power what many consider his greatest works — “Ghost World,” for one — and elevate his latest graphic novel, “Monica,” to the status of a masterpiece.” (The New York Times)
- “The pacing and interconnection of the stories tease the reader along as narration and dialogue pop with insight and humor. Clowes’ art retains a classic comics aesthetic while delivering a thoroughly modern vibe.” (Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review)
- “Clowes’s formal ingenuity, meticulous attention to psychological and visual detail, and masterful sense of narrative and tone combine to create an emotionally resonant and unforgettable opus, reaffirming his place among the greatest storytellers of our time.” (Library Journal, Starred Review)
- “Clowes’s awkward, grief-stricken characters, starkly shadowed art, and EC Comics–esque coloring casts everything as a pulp nightmare—even the most sylvan scene carries the potential for unholy creatures to rise out of the earth.” (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)
- “A hauntingly precise and compellingly strange study of the human struggle to reconcile a decentered past with a path forward.” (Booklist, Starred Review)
- “A new Daniel Clowes release is always a cause for celebration — and with Monica, it’s another career highlight.” (Nylon)
- “Clowes confronts—with his usual black-comedic wit—questions usually reserved for religion. He wrestles with the complications of life after death; unearths the historical roots of Gen-X angst and anomie, which for Clowes are the psychic scum left by the receding wave of the counterculture; ponders the perils (and seductions) of blind faith; and takes the full, painful measure of the persistence of memory that makes us prisoners of our pasts.” (4Columns)
And more:
- “Daniel Clowes offers a look at ‘Monica,’ his next graphic novel”, The Washington Post
- “Fall 2023 Announcements: Adult Comics & Graphic Novels”, Publishers Weekly
- “Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023, Part Two”, Lit Hub
- “What to read this autumn: 2023’s biggest new books”, The Guardian
- “LJ Talks with Daniel Clowes, Creator of ‘Monica’”, Library Journal
- “Get Lost in Daniel Clowes’s New Graphic Novel”, Chicago Magazine
- “25 highly anticipated books to put on your radar this fall”, San Francisco Chronicle
- “Cartoonist Daniel Clowes on His Ambitious New Graphic Novel ‘Monica'”, KQED
- “Daniel Clowes Is Ready to Face the Truth”, The Atlantic
Daniel Clowes Book Tour
- New York, NY: October 3rd at 7:00 pm, Strand Bookstore, in conversation with Naomi Fry–SOLD OUT (call the store for information about signed copies of Monica)
- Philadelphia, PA: October 5th at 6:00-9:00 pm, Partners and Son–RSVP here (link)!
- San Francisco, CA: October 10th at 7:00 pm, Green Apple Books on the Park
- Seattle, WA: October 14th at 5:00-7:00 pm, Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
- Portland, OR: October 16th at 7:00 pm, Powell’s Books, in conversation with Eric Reynolds
- Los Angeles, CA: October 20th at 7:00 pm, Skylight Books
Behind the Scenes of Monica
Daniel Clowes discussed the influences behind Monica with Françoise Mouly at The New Yorker and it’s a fascinating read!
Get the book + tote!
