Скачать или смотреть "Cheap Novelties: The Pleasures Of Urban Decay" By Ben Katchor

Ben Katchor’s graphic novel, "Cheap Novelties: The Pleasures of Urban Decay," is a witty and insightful exploration of the changing urban landscape of America in the mid-20th century. Through a series of short comic strips, Katchor tells the story of Julius Knipl, a journalist who roams the streets of New York City, chronicling the vanishing landmarks and idiosyncrasies of the city.The graphic novel is a celebration of the beauty of urban decay, presenting the city as a constantly evolving entity that is always in a state of transformation. Katchor’s comic strips are filled with dilapidated buildings, faded storefronts, and decaying landmarks, all of which are rendered with a remarkable level of detail and care. His illustrations are often accompanied by witty captions that provide insight into the history and character of the city.One of the key themes of the graphic novel is the tension between progress and preservation. Katchor suggests that as cities modernize and grow, they inevitably lose some of their character and charm. In one strip, Knipl visits a museum that has been built in the location of a former amusement park. The museum is filled with artifacts from the park, including a fake castle that once housed a ride. Knipl notes that the museum is a poor substitute for the real thing, stating that "anyone can buy a souvenir, but you can’t buy a memory."Katchor also explores the changing relationship between people and their urban environment. In one strip, Knipl visits a coffee shop that has been replaced by a chain store. He observes that the coffee shop was a place where people would gather to talk and exchange ideas, whereas the chain store is designed to be a purely transactional space. Knipl laments that "we’ve lost the commons," suggesting that the city has become a place where people are increasingly isolated from each other.Despite its focus on decay and loss, "Cheap Novelties" is ultimately a celebration of the enduring human spirit. Katchor’s characters are all flawed and imperfect, but they are also resilient and resourceful. In one strip, Knipl visits a theater that is showing a film about a man who builds a machine that can produce perfect copies of anything. Knipl notes that while the machine may be impressive, it is ultimately pointless, as "nothing is as good as the original." Katchor suggests that while cities may change and decay, they will always retain their unique character and charm, as long as people are willing to cherish and preserve them.Overall, "Cheap Novelties: The Pleasures of Urban Decay" is a charming and thought-provoking work that explores the complex relationship between people and their urban environment. Katchor’s illustrations are both beautiful and detailed, capturing the unique character of the city and its inhabitants. His witty captions and observations provide insight into the history and culture of the city, and his exploration of themes such as progress and preservation, community, and resilience, make the graphic novel a rich and rewarding read.