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Reviewed by Steven Mortiboy It’s not everyday that you wake up dead in a bathtub. But this is only the beginning for our wayward protagonist Clarence. As he gains consciousness in his bathroom he discovers a mysterious message in the mirror “ Find Me”. He reads the message and decides to take a courageous step though the bathroom door. The narrative takes place though this door in the afterlife. Our hero meets the Man in the Moon who is trying to hang himself because people question his existence (a good indication to the themes of the book). But because he is already dead he is having difficulty. So he and Clarence make deal. If Clarence can find out “How the dead die” the Man in the Moon will show Clarence the way out. From here Clarence sets off across “Wonderland” to come to terms with his personal demons and with his own suicide. The character of Clarence is very likeable; he is flawed (the suicide is a hint), but manages to keep his sense of humour even after losing his right arm. I must say that I saw some of myself in Clarence; I also apologise too much and constantly question everything. The man in the moon is one of many out-of-this-world supporting characters; my favourite is the tribe that worship the broken clock (this book is worth purchasing just to see their fate). The script is very lean, not a single word seems wasted. It works in perfect rhythm with the art. There is an old saying in film-making “Show don’t tell” of which this script is a great example. This really suits the visuals as it gives the framing and pacing room to breathe and develop. The art itself is delicious; it’s manga-influenced and has cute elements, but remains unique and the texture is soft which works well to contrast the traditional clean lines of manga. To me, this book’s greatest strength is that to each reader it offers an individual experience far greater then our favourite characters or scenes. This tale poses many questions and answers and I believe that the ones I asked and answered are potentially different then other readers. For example there is a scene where Clarence meets Blossom, a spirit that resembles Elissa, a lost love. Whilst putting on a play, Blossom asks our hero: “You either join me on the stage…” Or you join them…the audience. The faceless creatures who sit in the darkness forever.” In this scene it is clear that a lot is going on with the story; who is Blossom and what does she represent? However all I could think about was “is joining Blossom on stage a metaphor for writing this comic and the audience a metaphor for all audiences who never create?” Then I started to ask myself further questions; Is it better to be on the stage exposed and vulnerable? Or in the audience safe and entertained? Maybe that is just me being pretentious. But I really did feel that this book took my thought process on a unique journey. As well as being a thought provoking and intelligent read, there is a dark and satisfying sense of humour that is as sharp as a guillotine: “But I am dead” “Prove it” “What? How?” “Good question-why don’t you go back and ponder that?” Because of the look of “The Clarence Principle” and the trends of this publisher this book is going to be pigeonholed as gothic fairytale. I can see a lot of people describing it as a dark twisted Alice in Wonderland. I don’t see this as an insult or a disservice however I see this book as having many influences ranging from gothic books and films to Jeff Smith’s “Bone”. I would say that if you like the idea of Donnie Darko meeting Alice in Wonderland and they go for a drink in a Tim Burton Film then give this book the attention that it deserves - you won’t regret it. Comment on this review of The Clarence Principle on the Manga Life Forums. |
1 July 2009
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