Carnet De Voyage (Travel Journal) Paperback – August 3, 2004

Craig Thompson's epic 600 page graphic novel, BLANKETS is one of the most beautiful comics I've ever read. I was astounded at the breadth and depth of the book and wondered how someone in his mid twenties could have crafted such a massive achievement so early in his career.With the publication of CARNET DE VOYAGE, I now understand a little bit more about Thompson's work habits... he is a nonstop drawing machine. But no... machine is wrong... there's nothing mechanical about his work. Art flows out of Thompson's brush pens with the organic fluidity of a true master. He may well be the greatest natural cartoonist of his generation... hell, even a handful of others.CARNET DE VOYAGE wasn't even supposed to be a book. While traveling through France, Barcelona, the Alps and Morocco last Spring to promote BLANKETS, Thompson's omnipresent sketchbook suddenly became his next project. In his introduction, the typically self-effacing artist dismisses it as "a rather self-indulgent side project."Yes, there's lots of self-indulgence, but no more than any other writer or artist's work is self indulgent. Smarting from a recent breakup, suffering from crippling rheumatoid arthritis exacerbated by nonstop signings, sketches and portraits of locals (many of whom demand money for the privilege of being models), Thompson's travelogue is filled with the kind of subjective experience that's only interesting to others if it's told well.And in CARNET DE VOYAGE, it's told beautifully. Mixing his two styles, the cartoony whimsy of GOODBYE, CHUNKY RICE with the more naturalistic impressionism of BLANKETS, Thompson allows us to experience everything he does: The homesickness, the culture shock, the thrill of the new and the comfort of other people. His passion for beauty, be it architectural, arboreal, feline, culinary or (often) feminine is all delineated with an artistic embellishment that's more effective than any photograph could be.That's the power of comics; They can be (in the right hands) surreal and realistic at the same time. Thompson is as much a master of capturing the empirical world as he is conveying his inner demons (and he's got a lot of `em... this boy is one tortured, sensitive artiste). He may dismiss CARNET DE VOYAGE as "not (his) next book," but it's the richest, most rewarding graphic novel I've read since... well, since BLANKETS.

This little book shows what a masterful artist can do with his immediate surroundings. Drawing comes so naturally to Craig Thompson that he can easily and effectively capture anything he happens to be looking at -- landscape, buildings, and people. More than his other books, I paused to study his lines in these drawings. I look at my own scenery differently now, as if strokes of my pen could capture my world too. This small episodic journal is a revelation of his inner sight and innate talent. It's interesting knowing that he was thinking about Habibi as he traveled through the Arabic-speaking countries.

First I should start by mentioning that I am a fan of Thompson's works, so my review may be a tiny bit biased.Carnet de Voyage is essentially an illustrated travel diary of Thompson's time in France and parts of the Middle East. The style is unconventional (compared to what you see in most mainstream comics) and is refreshing. It is entirely in black and white, but is well illustrated. The writing is entirely in Thompson's hand (as opposed to pre-set type), but still very easy to read.It is, in essence, not just his travel diary, but a glimpse into a part of his life in which he did some soul searching and it comes across (in my opinion), very well in this account. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars and not 5 is that I happen to like some of his other works better and this book is a slight departure from his traditional storytelling (it's about himself using an illustrated persona).However, as mentioned, the art is up to par and is well worth turning every page. A very enjoyable read for people who might enjoy a departure from typical western comics.

Got this book way after I read Blankets and Habibi. Great addition to my collection from the same author. Very satisfied.

Makes me want to travel and draw! Inspiring travel journal - I love his style.

Good artwork. But the lack of a plot shows up.

Everything was Ok

and it doesn't pretend to be, but I found it very worthwhile. I like CHUNKY RICE and I think BLANKETS is one of the great American novels, graphic or otherwise. I felt I needed a Thompson fix, and hoped this would help while I wait for the Next Book. Thinking it would be bedside reading, a few pages at a time, I read it in one sitting. His voice is as true as ever and his art is wonderful. You will meet many interesting people and suffer through his mishaps with him. It was just what I had hoped it would be, a good solid Craig Thompson fix.