Viz is definitely a slightly-guilty pleasure for me. God help me I've been reading it since 1986. At it's best it's irreverant, has an uncanny way with everyday speech and is vulgar without being brainless. Still, particularly in recent years, there's way too much stuff that's simply purile. Issue 191 though contains a strip that's absolutely on target. 'Thoughtful Bully' features a playground bully who justifies himself via the language of edgy, transgressive art. It absolutely nails people like me who make all kinds of excuses for dodgy art. I am duly humbled:
I thought this strip stood in veiled parallel to the recent scrutiny of certain British comedians, who'd been accused of taking not universally savoury cheap shots.
Which, if that was the purpose, is a bit rich, considering that Viz itself relies upon the sub-monthly rinsing of a select few celebrities in order to keep its running jokes in Hi-Tecs. Ah, well - it's still the most honest rag out there, though, to be honest, not as honest as it used to be.
Posted by: Superbead | December 01, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Certainly It absolutely nails people like me who make all kinds of excuses for dodgy art.
Posted by: Term Papers | February 16, 2010 at 11:57 AM