Pope, Paul - 100%, chapter 11 title splash (Oct 2002)
Artist: Paul Pope (All)
15 Comments - 742 Views - 10 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionWhat’s New York look like in 2038? Pretty dark if you ask Paul Pope.You get a sense of that right as 100% opens – the first image we’re greeted with is a murdered stripper’s leg disturbingly set amidst garbage in an alley across the way from the strip club where she used to dance. It’s an interesting visual start to the book – and it achieves its purpose of both setting the stage for the dark, cyber-punky world we’re about to enter and driving the narrative amongst character introductions in the book’s first few chapters. Main message – we’re entering a dangerous world and its inhabitants need to protect & defend themselves. Stepping back for a little context, 100% tells three interconnected love stories all tied to a downtown Manhattan strip club called the Catshack. It’s an unusual place and it takes a little time to learn how much so – but the erotic dancers there have their insides projected onto screens while they dance…which folks in 2038 Manhattan somehow find voyeuristically satisfying. It’s called ‘dancing gastro’…and makes you wonder what Paul Pope smokes when he’s writing and drawing comics, especially when characters are discussing what ‘gastro penetration levels’ they are comfortable with when starting new jobs at such clubs. Gastro dancing is the answer to the question of ‘what else can you show about women to titillate that has not already been shown’. Answer – their insides as their getting off. Mere nudity? Where’s the thrill in that anymore? Anyway, the three loves stories are between Kim & Eloy (nickname ‘Kettlehead’), Strel & Haitous and, most importantly, Daisy & John. Kim is a bartender at the Catshack while Strel is a manager there. Kim meets Eloy (also Strel’s artist cousin) and falls in love with his artistic vision and his sense of purpose & conviction in achieving it. He’s a performance artist whose work consists of collecting 100 kettles all tuned in C-major – some bass, some alto-tenor, some soprano - and going off all at once to create 100% harmony. She supports him in a moment of truth along his journey and a deeper love emerges on the other side, as a result. Haitous is Strel’s estranged husband and father to her son. He’s a gastro-boxer whose been away on a Eurasian fight tour featured on the future’s Fight Channel. He ends up sacrificing himself for Strel to realize her dream of owning a coffee shop and escaping the Cathouse…but Strel honors his sacrifice by not only pulling him back into her life but deepening their relationship and partnership while doing so. Daisy & John are a more complicated story. John, a bus boy at the club, is a lapsed medieval literature student who had intended to be academic until an early-life crisis forces him to pursue life ‘come what may, one hundred percent’. He meets a new dancer, who’s name we’ll eventually learn is Daisy. Ultimately, a chance encounter between them and John’s decision not to read Daisy’s misplaced diary convinces Daisy that he’s not one of the ‘fuckers’ and ‘pigs’ she dances for. And that’s the beginning of her attraction to him and their blossoming relationship. The complication derives from the fact that Daisy is a roaming, free spirit while John is destined to be in Manhattan. Their connection, albeit brief, is powerful and maturing for both. But it’s not meant to last – as many loves are not. But that does not mean we should not pursue them and get all of that we can out of them while they last. Daisy & John most certainly do that. These themes of love, relationship, family & hope are contrasted against the backdrop of a gritty, on-the-edge existence. That contrast is visually coupled with Paul Pope’s bold, dark inks laid down in his striking Japanese manga style – which all blend to make for powerful storytelling. And, most importantly, it’s the human themes that shine through. Dark & gritty world? No matter – eat, drink, dance, create and love to make life the best it can be. And do it to 100% of each our own abilities – and provide support and courage for others along their journeys. The back of the remastered edition asks the question – ‘is it possible to find love, safety, and hope in this dystopian American megalopolis?’. The answer is inside Pope’s story and it’s a definitive ‘yes’. 100% was Pope’s fifth graphic novel. It was voted amongst Time Magazine’s 100 most influential science fiction graphic novels of the decade (the 2000's). This page is the chapter 11 title splash – it’s the start of the first date at Cafe Orlin for Daisy & John. The best part of this page? It comes from someone’s collection I might love the most – Jeff Singh. Thank goodness he’s addicted to art and never stops adding to his collection…or this page might not now be in mine. Thank you, Jeff! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Gene Park 
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 11/15/2021
A great page from a great story! Not surprised that a beauty like this came out of Jeff's collection, and it will look great and right at home in yours as well - congrats!!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/15/2021
The dilapidated world is organic in that they are no longer just purely straight and perpendicular like everywhere else in the world. The weathering and constant wearing down of these buildings gives them character and reveals what makes them work without the glossy shine of their youth. They are all living and breathing eco systems that have seen better days. While they may seem bleak, there are signs of hope as people cycle through. Some make it, many do not. They all hold on to the romantic notion of hope.
Joe A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 11/15/2021
Pope's brush work makes New York feel alive. Such a great page. Congrats!
John J
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 11/15/2021
Incredible story. Incredible art. Incredible page. Congrats!!
Chris C
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 11/15/2021
Marcus stole my comment...........
.....dammit I love this page, everything about it.
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 11/15/2021
Wonderful page from my personal favorite Pope story! Congrats!
Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004
2 - Posted on 11/16/2021
I am happy this piece is with you now. I know where to visit it. Your description is spot on. I think despite the darkness, it is a story of hope and a belief in love/romance for a new world. Easily Pope's most important and personal work to date and it would be impossible for me to imagine him topping this in the future. The Best of the Best...perhaps that is what you should change your CAF handle to:)
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 11/16/2021
Fabulous page! Every panel is great. That top image surprises me given that Pope decided to place the main figure, dressed all in black, againts the vertical black stripe of sky in the background, but it reads perfectly. He also employs so many thick lines that I would expect the scenes to be unparsable or too uniform, yet there is just the right amount of variety to the textures everywhere and I can easily pick out the figures and follow the action. Enjoyed your commentary --- I've forgotten so much about this classic story, but reading this I'm inspired to pick it up again!
Stephen F
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 11/16/2021
Just a spectacular example of Pope's work. Congrats!
Yo Kuri
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 11/17/2021
Spectacular! Magnificent page from Pope's best work. Congrats!
Matt Dicke
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 11/18/2021
Welcome to the club, 100% pages are so rare, and you snagged a beauty. And in total agreement that this his best work, so dynamic and the characteres really come to life. Congrats!
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 11/25/2021
Stupendous work by Pope. Huge congrats on this!
Bill J
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 4/20/2023
Glad to see I'm not the only Paul Pope fan here. Paul's work is so startling and so unlike the vintage stuff that I usually collect that I find myself wondering why I like it so much. This is a terrific page from a very uncomfortable storyline. I'm happy that Paul keeps challenging himself and his readers with every new project he takes on. Looking forward to seeing what he's up to next.
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