Langridge, Roger. Fred the clown.LANGRIDGE, Roger. Fred the clown. Fantagraphics. 192p. illus, c2004. 1-560-97610-1. $16.95. SA Fred the Clown relies on a combination of slapstick slapstick Comedy characterized by broad humour, absurd situations, and vigorous, often violent action. It took its name from a paddlelike device, probably introduced by 16th-century commedia dell'arte troupes, that produced a resounding whack when one comic actor used it to , irony and dry wit. In one strip, Fred serenades the girl of his dreams; she hits him on the side of the head with her shoe. Fred, who is either an incurable incurable /in·cur·a·ble/ (in-kur´ah-b'l) 1. not susceptible of being cured. 2. a person with a disease which cannot be cured. in·cur·a·ble adj. romantic or an incurable moron mo·ron n. A person of mild mental retardation having a mental age of from 7 to 12 years and generally having communication and social skills enabling some degree of academic or vocational education. , brings the shoe home and takes it to bed with him. In another strip, Fred is marooned ma·roon 1 tr.v. ma·rooned, ma·roon·ing, ma·roons 1. To put ashore on a deserted island or coast and intentionally abandon. 2. on an island with a crate of spoons, which he busily ties to sticks and throws at the fishies in a futile attempt to catch dinner. I like Fred the Clown. Fred is smelly, he has a hairy back, and--believe me--he's stupid. It doesn't stop him from trying to find happiness, and even love. There is a wistful wist·ful adj. 1. Full of wishful yearning. 2. Pensively sad; melancholy. [From obsolete wistly, intently. sadness about the most successful strips, such as the one in which Fred flies to the moon and brings back a piece of moon rock for his girlfriend. She is overjoyed o·ver·joy tr.v. o·ver·joyed, o·ver·joy·ing, o·ver·joys To fill with joy; delight. o until he runs off without a word. She leaves town, thinking he's deserted her, and when Fred returns, the Moon in tow, she is gone. There is another reason to read Fred the Clown, and it has to do with the nature of comic books. 95% of them are the same. Fred the Clown is unique, and unlike many independent comics, it is suitable for younger readers; but note that there are half-nude clowns and the occasional swear word along with the slapstick. Recommended for high schoolers and comic-literate junior high schoolers. George Galuschak, YA Libn., Montvale P.L., Montvale, NJ S--Recommended for senior high school students. A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code help librarian and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries. |
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