America Gone Wild!

Deserving of ongoing mention is a fine collection packed with humorous political commentary and controversial digs at everything from political events and individuals to science and social issues. Large-size black and white comics poke fun at all kinds of scenarios, making for a fine addition to any public library holding - and promising lasting interest and relevance. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

While his style isn't for everyone, Ted Rall's work serves a purpose all its own. At a time when the definition of politically correct has become saying nothing even more than saying the 'right' thing, Rall stands up for a time gone by--a time when cartoons said anything and everything they wanted. As space and tolerance quickly disintegrate, Rall stands alone in the wind...not chasing the money, not caving in to pressure. Again, his style can seem off target at times--enough that you shake your head as often as you laugh--but his contribution to the industry is what helps keep the flame on the satire candle from blowing out entirely. And again, he misses big sometimes, for something happening in Sudan is offbeat enough let alone when a cartoon gets printed 6 days later and the 2% that were following the story has dropped to .75. But Rall's biggest contribution, at least in this book, is his breakdown of the industry itself, of the A+B=C simplicity that most editorial readers have come to expect. When he jokes about the "terror whores", for example (individuals who he felt rode on the coattails of their family members' deaths for their personal and/or financial gain) people got outraged at what they believed was insensitivity, for they quickly think he's accusing EVERYONE who lost someone of such a thing. This is Rall at his finest, for he opens the doors of discussion about topics that hardly anyone else will even touch. At least he offers us that. And Rall knows something very important: freedom of speech isn't something the government is going to storm in and snatch away from us like a scene in a movie. Instead, times just change, until one day we realize we've quietly and subtly taken it from ourselves. It's already happened on the nightly news, as carefully-written text stays a fair distance from the edge. This vanilla style will only get worse as the amount of money to be made (or lost) increases over time. Political cartoons are as much an art form as painting or music, and Rall's doing everything he can to keep this medium from moving too close to the center. We can only hope Rall maintains his edge, if only so that the quick-witted style of critique that was once a standard in American cartooning can stay alive a little longer.