The Acme Novelty Datebook, Volume 2: Sketches and Diary Pages in Facsimile 1995-2002

Just as enjoyable as the first volume. It has the same type of material, same format, so if you have the first then no surprises here. Good quality production.

Chris Ware does it again! The attention to detail is once again impeccable. He even apologizes for slight difference in the book size from Vol 1 to 2. Something that only he would notice, of which I'm sure, gave him many sleepless nights. Can't wait for Vol 3!

This is undoubtedly one of the most amazing artist's books I have ever come across. It first caught my eye in Chicago's popular Quimby's bookstore. There is a whole rack dedicated to Chris Ware's work (guess why). I became aware of him through his decadent cinematic "Jimmy Corrigan" collection. This book is a collection of preliminary ideas for all his grossly insightful characters and stories, as well as incredibly consummate and fanatical sketches and journal entries that seem to be drawn with a constant and overbearing nervousness. His unparalleled talent shines through page to page. Sometimes a simple sketch, other times a complex watercolor, you'll find panels filled with such scrupulous detail, you'll be tempted to get a magnifying glass just to read the words alone. Chris' obsessive and compulsive tendencies are evident in every single pen stroke. He seems to spend a lot of time in public waiting areas, as the majority of his sketches are of this. Often he will write a "short" blurb next to each sketch... almost criticizing the world and judging what is around him, as well as hiding nothing back of his inability to interact with women (or anyone else for that matter) You will get inside the mind of Chris Ware, even if you don't ask for it. This book is rich, complex, deeply intellectual and will keep you occupied for months. It is the best example of an artist's journal I have seen.