Fantagraphics have announced “Monica,” a new graphic novel by celebrated cartoonist Daniel Clowes (“Ghost World,” “Wilson”), releasing this fall. Described as a “genre-bending thriller,” the book tells the life story of its titular character via “a series of interconnected narratives,” many of which are in different, popular comics genres, like war, romance, horror, and crime, “but in a mysterious, uncategorizable, and quintessentially Clowesian way that rewards multiple readings.”
“Monica” marks the 61-year old Clowes’s first book since 2016’s time travel romance “Patience.” He elaborated somewhat on the project in an interview with The Washington Post, saying he refuses to reduce it to an “elevator pitch,” but describes it as a personal story, inspired by the comics he loved growing up, as well as his late mother, Allison, whom Monica’s mom is modeled on. The book is dedicated to her, and several other loved ones who have died since 2019, including his brother Jimmy.
Eric Reynolds, the Vice President of Fantagraphics, is quoted in the press release as saying, “Daniel Clowes had already created what might well be my favorite body of work in the medium’s history. But ‘Monica’ raises his own bar even higher, as both a writer of fiction and as a cartoonist. It’s a masterpiece that is both utterly Clowes and unlike anything else I’ve ever read.”
The book is available to preorder now for an October 3, 2023 release, in a regular hardcover edition retailing for $30, and a limited edition costing $75. The latter includes a giclée (inkjet fine art) print signed by Clowes, and will be limited to 250 copies, available only via Fantagraphics’ website. In the meantime, head to the Post for more from Clowes and his interior artwork.
