Wilson Review

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: Wilson, a middle-aged 'sociable' but misanthropic guy who tries to rekindle his relationship with his ex-wife and teenage daughter he never knew he had.

My Thoughts: The titular antihero in many ways shared attributes archetypical to much of Daniel Clowes's other characters including a grotesquely-inflated ego and a cynical sense of humor and thinking. Wilson differed slightly, however, since he isn't as self-aware of his misanthropy and, on the contrary, perceives himself as an open-minded everyman despite, in reality, being highly critical to views differing from his own or outside his range of knowledge in a very acerbic and derisively juvenile way. Similarly, Wilson is so self-absorbed in his musings and nostalgia that he can't put himself in other's shoes. Story-wise, we, the readers, are initially deceived into believing this book is merely a collection of stand-alone comic strips about the main character's oddball social interactions, and frankly, it would be hard to argue against it at first since even the art would casually shift from Clowes's trademark style to a more cartoony or esoteric one. Nevertheless, as the book progresses, the narrative gradually comes together as we learn more about his past and deeply intrinsic insecurities and angst when he meets the ex and daughter mentioned in the synopsis. Consequently, by the end of the story, Wilson becomes a more sympathizable character that goes beyond the insufferable (but humorous) prick in the beginning.

Final Thoughts: Wilson is a work of artistic genius which effectively shows Daniel Clowes's stylistic flexibility. I'd recommend it to any Clowes fan and person looking for a sharply-written story.