Everything Is Flammable

I'm getting pretty weary of autobiographical graphic novels dealing with depressed authors using the medium as a psychological outlet, of which there are so many lately (Allie Brosh, Sina Grace, Hannah Bradshaw, Julie Delporte). Unlike some of her peers though, Bell is not really an empathetic or compelling character, and seems completely out of touch with her surroundings. Sure, this is probably what depression does to you, but neither her naive drawings, repetitive layout or bland rumblings elevate this story beyond the usual "depressed author in search of inspiration and meaning" story. Her relationship with her mother, a much more intriguing and fascinating character that should have been the focus of the book, is ultimately the most interesting aspect of the story, but even then, it is sketched in a rather superficial way.

I own several of her other books, and this one is also terrific. The story is all-too-true and certainly very serious, but it's beautifully-illustrated and very well-written.

If you haven't read a Graphic Novel from Gabrielle Bell then you are missing out on a joyous time spent. 'Everything Is Flammable' could easily make an exceptional film and it is a very interesting and very witty piece of work. As a Graphic Novel it manages to be both shocking, funny and also sad and enlightening. Ms. Bell's narrative follows a journey from Brooklyn, New York to California and back but the entire book is made up of six coloured panels on each page which tells a story that allows the importance of small things to emerge as being mind-blowingly important. This is perhaps the strongest piece of work she has released. It's a beautiful world that Gabrielle Bell creates and her comics approach is a rare and talented gift to the reader. Anything by her is worth getting but 'Everything Is Flammable' could be the best.