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Ructions
Posted by Gary Northfield


Ructions


Considering the expressionistic style and the odd name (Joven Kerekes (AKA Kerashtest)), you'd probably be forgiven for thinking that Ructions is the product of an avant-garde Slovakian artist. In fact Joven is Irish, and according to his bio on his website, he also spent a healthy period of time in San francisco, mixing it up with the large fraternity of cartoonists and animators that proliferate in that city.


It certainly shows. The seven stories on show here, are an eclectic mix of edgy, paranoia with an acerbic wit; alongside recountings of bizarre dreams and dream-like happenings. This includes "Alien Sex Dream", a first person recollection of a man 'selected for a test of the sexual compatiblity of aliens with humans'. This short story, told via a series of vignettes, is as poetic, as it is jarring and completely stupid. The highlights for me, though, are 1)'My Guardian Angel', a scratchy, atmospheric story about a washed up old hipster pissed off with his own existence and doubly less interested in anybody who gets in his way. And 2)the Greg Cook-like 'Joseph the Inept Yellow Dog' , a great little two-pager about a stupid big-nosed dog policeman that wouldn't look out of place in any Highwaterbooks anthology.


I actually picked this up in Bristol from the Toenail Clippings table, which, considering that particular publication's growing reputation, you'd have to seriously consider that Ireland's underground comic scene is going through a very fruitful period.
I think it cost me about £1.50. Maybe email him first. A5 2-colour card cover. Joven Kerashtest, 73 Windmill Park, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland. Email : joven@indigo.ie www.jovenk.com

Posted on June 27, 2002
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