Letting the Everyday Speak Its Own Power: The Works of Von Allan

• Published in: International journal of comic art Vol. 25; no. 2; p. 465
• Main Author: Beard, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Drexel Hill John A Lent, Ed & Pub 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Art exhibits; Comics; Novels; Spacecraft; Visual artists
• ISSN: 1531-6793

Canadian graphic novelist Von Allan explores the tension between the ordinary and the magical in his self-published works. In Love, Laughter, and Loss, Allan combines enchanting elements with emotionally impactful stories that highlight the mundane, often for comedic or tragic effect. His acclaimed work, Wolfs Head, skillfully weaves fantastical elements into a grounded and emotionally realistic narrative about a child grappling with their mother's legacy. As Allan delves into nonfiction, he continues to delve deeper into everyday experiences, seeking meaning and tragedy within them. Love, and Loss showcases Allan's storytelling through two modes. In the first half of the book, he subverts expectations of fantasy storytelling by starting with the mundanity of role-playing games. By beginning with the limitations of these games, Allan humorously deflates the genre. This tendency to start with the ordinary also underlies his exploration of tragedy in the collection. For example, in "When I Find You Again, It Will Be In Mountains, " a story about the Voyager and Pioneer spacecraft, Allan initially presents a simple dream of lost love, only revealing at the end that the dreamers are actually spacecraft. Similarly, "I Was Afraid For My Life" initially appears as a story about a boy and a dog but ultimately delivers a powerful statement on race, violence, and policing. Throughout his works, Allan aims to create laughter or deliver impactful messages. Wolf's Head, a standout work, builds on the themes explored in Love, and Loss. The comic begins where "I Was Afraid For My Life" ends and features a remarkable introductory page that uses texture to convey the energy of the moment. Allan's use of texture and attention to detail in his art distinguishes his voice in contemporary comics.