25

The Sculptor

Author: Scott McCloud

Additional Credits: John Roshell (Lettering)

Volumes: Stand alone release

Publisher: SelfMadeHero [click HERE for hardcover edition Amazon page]

When death grants David Smith the power to magically sculpt anything he wants in a matter of seconds at the cost of having just 200 days to live, we are thrown into a tragic story about art, love, and life itself. When I first picked up this book it was actually because of the Neil Gaiman endorsement on the front, I’d always wanted to really dive into comics, but back in 2015 if it wasn’t in Shonen Jump I hadn’t heard of it.

This left a lasting impression, Scott Mccloud understands comics (so much he’s written two comprehensive books about their inner workings). I’d go as far as to say he has an academic understanding of comics, and the only reason this isn’t higher up on the list is down to the competition to be found ahead… and personal preference… aaaaaaand the fact i haven’t read it in a good while now.

Scott can talk the talk, and walk the walk, this is 25th for me overall, but probably number 1 for a gateway into comics as a medium. I don’t really have anything majorly critical to say, and this may be because I haven’t had a chance to re-read it in a while. Like with Seconds, I’ll probably be doing a re-read in the new year. Additionally (especially if you have a passion for one day making your own comic/ manga) you can explore more about the author himself and his 24-hour comic movement at scottmccloud.com