Ninja

by Brian Chippendale

Both an epic 80-page graphic novel and a document of his vibrant drawings, collages and posters, Ninja is the first book by Fort Thunder co-founder and Lighting Bolt drummer Brian Chippendale. The graphic novel, a work 5 years in the making, takes readers through a fantastic landscape delineated in Chippendale’s dense pen and ink line-work and starring a Ninja hunted by the forces of evil. It functions as both a great fantasy story and a social allegory about an artist’s struggle with money, gentrification, and city politics. Nearly every massive comics page is drawn in a different elaborate style somewhere between Darger, Panter & illuminated manuscript. In between each chapter of the story is a related section of fine from bright, exuberant paintings to visionary drawings to the posters for which Chippendale is internationally recognized. Half art book, half graphic novel, this collection is a unique adventure in art and comics.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Art, Fantasy

128 pages, Hardcover

First published November 25, 2006

Reviews

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had this as a gift... the art is pretty weird to tell you the truth.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bonkers

[Bob Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chippendale's comics burn with the energy of a five-year-old running around the yard with his pants off.

https://youtu.be/JLmhgHwuM5k

[Dane Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not high on the "readability" charts, but who cares? This book has such an appealing, crazy energy to it that it just doesn't matter. This is a rare thing. I look at this book constantly, and my brain always swarms with fun and pleasure. I have never been able to successfully completely follow the narrative, but it's such a fun object to hold and be a part of. That's OK sometimes. It isn't that the story is bad in any way; it just takes a lot of investment to be able to follow it and appreciate it in a successful way. A beautiful thing.

[Erik Wirfs-Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really shouldn't be reviewing this, but I just have to highly recommend this vast non-story of a book, filled with crude art reminiscent of Gary Panter, art from the author when he was 12, non-intuitive panel transition, and just a genral vibe of DIY zine culture. Go fort thunder!

Update,
Aand i finally sat down and finished. Good as my initial impressions, don't know why I didn't do it earlier

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read that the best way to approach Fort Thunder, and Brian Chippendale in particular, is to think of their work as fine art in the form of artifacts that just happen to be comics. Honestly, that makes sense to me.

The real appeal to Ninja is the sheer creative energy on display. It's inspiring, with page after page full of crazy mark-making. It's inspiring, and also a tad overwhelming. Very much post-Gary Panter work here.

[Eric T. Voigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

But, like, SIX stars! Of the three adult picture books I just finished this was the engrossingest and intricate and funny and badass. I gave them all fives, but, like, this is a cut above the rest by bounds. What'd I say about "If 'n Oof?" Something about imagination? This is the imagination station. This is where imagination comes to jack the fuck off all night.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely on a Providence Comic/Artist kick lately. This will not disappoint.

You can find this one at RISD special collections in zine format with screen printed covers. Such a nice way to read this.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the think black ink on the pages of this book is a magic so real that even God couldn't escape.

[Greggor Prescott · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty much like his drumming - virtuosic, saturated, of a higher evolution.
a deconstructed comic.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derik Badman's review of the work is well written.
http://madinkbeard.com/archives/ninja...

+ background, markmaking, texture

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you still doubt the power of comics? Give this one a read.