I have spent a couple of weeks reading about Tom Neely and reading reviews of his work “The Blot” (which is wonderful by the way). Let me tell you something, there are some amazing and in depth reviews out there and I suggest checking them out. Tom has a page linking to a bunch of them here: http://www.iwilldestroyyou.com/comics.html.
Neely’s artwork seems to be influenced by cartoonists like Floyd Gottfredson, (Think Mickey Mouse 1929) which gives his comics this nice, wholesome, and innocent feel. Reading Tom’s work is kind of like watching a sweet, old, black-and-white 1920s-era film where the lead character just casually says “fuck” and in the back of your mind your thinking, what did he just say?
I thought it would be interesting to dwell upon two of Tom’s comics today and discuss what they’re about, why they’re cool, and why you should be a fan.
The Blot
“The Blot” is a surreal tale revolving around a young man that is set upon by an inkblot. The inkblot consumes the young mans life, it blocks his face at times and enters him in a horrific fashion through his eyes, mouth and nose on others. The young man meets a woman who sees past the blot. They fall in love and she teaches him that the inkblot can be used for good; it can create as well as destroy. Life for the man is happy and sad, as we follow his journey with the mysterious blot.
Why “The Blot” is Cool:
Tom’s illustrations are beautifully rendered and his use of sequential art is phenomenal. Out of 180 pages there can’t be more than 15 words. Every subtle nuance, emotion and heartbreaking life lesson shared with the young man we experience in silence. There is an incredible moment in the chapter “Broken” where the woman that he is in love with decides to leave. You can see that she hates what she is about to do, so she puts an angry mask on to hide her emotions. As she breaks it off with him, he literally begins to beat himself up. It’s a strange scene because it’s handled so literally. It’s so easy to empathize; everyone has had this experience. We have all had to put on a mask; we have all beaten ourselves up for something that probably wasn’t even our fault or had no control over. Reading “The Blot” will change you; maybe not in a life altering way, but just enough to make you think about life in a little different perspective. Weather you’re an avid comic reader or have never picked up a graphic novel in your life, Tom Neely’s book “The Blot” is a must read and an instant classic.
Your Disease Spread Quick
The characters and dialogue for “Your Disease Spread Quick” are inspired by “The Melvins” album “Senile Animal”.
Why “Your Disease Spread Quick” is Cool:
I asked Tom if this book was based mostly on one song, because I was trying to get a sense of the story. Here is what he had to say:
It’s inspired by the whole album in that many of the song titles are things like The Talking Horse, The Blood Witch, The Civilized Worm (the dude wrapped in bandages), A History of Drunks, A History of Bad Men (both represented by the bar scene), Rat Faced Granny, Robotic Bride, The Hawk… etc. So, I took those song titles and turned them into characters. But the story isn’t based on any lyrics or anything- I just used the characters as a place to jump off and write my own story that kinda moves with the rhythm/spirit of the music.
Once I kind of understood the concept I decided to read this comic while listening to songs from the album that inspired it. Guess what? Something amazing happened! This book and its rhythm sync together with “The Melvins” music like watching “The Wizard of OZ” while listening to “Pink Floyed’s ‘The Wall’”. What seems weird and confusing on its own becomes magical and intriguing set to the dark melodic tones that “The Melvins” have provided.
On its own “Your Disease Spread Quick” is a fascinating read, but Tom Neely’s creation is elevated to a masterful work of art when paired with the soundtrack which inspiration it.
Why You Need To Be A Fan:
The world is lousy with artists that have no vision; what’s the point of drawing a pretty picture if you have nothing to say. Tom Neely’s work overflows with imagination. Books like “The Blot” are why I created this site! Tom deserves a huge fan base. If you’re ready to be a fan I have included all the links you will need to begin following his work.
Links to Tom Neely:
