Night Fisher, R. Kikuo Johnson (27 down, 25 to go)
by matt
Here’s what I think is a poor cover. I saw this image all over the place when the book was released and I wasn’t remotely interested. It’s got a big, boring font and a dull symmetric design – there’s nothing at all to even hint at the beauty that’s inside.
Anyway Night Fisher is really good. Apparently Johnson did this when he was very young – and it’s fantastic. To be honest, I’m not sure what the story is about. It’s Johnson’s first book and it feels like he’s working through something he needs to – and he’s entitled to that. Something to do with evolution on the Hawaiian islands as a metaphor for immigration. Maybe I’m wrong – in which case I just sound ignorant – which I often am.
But the illustration is fantastic – and that’s what kept me immersed; Johnson’s life drawing is so natural and real, it feels heavily referenced. I don’t really care though. He just has a beautiful insight into the way people move and react subtly. I think I read somewhere that he studied with David Mazzucchelli (Batman: Year One), which makes perfect sense. There is a similar energy in their work.
Here’s one of my favourite panels. I love the angle.
Comments
I think I completely agree with you. I usually reccommend the book to other people, but i find it’s hard to describe the plot to them. It’s interesting that he studied with Mazzucchelli, it definitely shows. I just finished reading Year One and it had the same feel composistionally, and atmospherically as NIght Fisher. Im not sure if this is true, but I heard that they stopped prinitng NIght Fisher, and I wanted to get a copy for my friend, who loved it after reading mine. Where did you get yours, if I may ask?
I picked up a copy at one of Johnson’s art show’s in NYC – I think it was at Giant Robot?
Yikes, I loved that cover! It is what compelled me to buy the book a few months ago and I was also able to enjoy the interior art. That is a great panel you posted.
My only complaint about the cover is that it gave a different mood than the art and story found on the inside. But I enjoy the composition and boring font, seriously.
Be well,
Jaye