My Thoughts on Stripped – the Comics Documentary

Last night, I watched “Stripped – The Comics Documentary”, a recently released independent feature film about comic strips
and the cartoonists who make them. Now normally I don’t get emotionally caught up in a film, but “Stripped” was unlike any other experience I’ve had in watching a movie: it pressed all my buttons (in a good way) in ways that few films have. “Stripped” has, in many ways, validate what I do as a professional cartoonist.

Some background is needed here: “Stripped” takes an introspective yet entertaining look at charting the course of the once mighty comic strip, charting its rise and fall from its newspaper origins up through to its rebirth on the Internet.

I won’t spoil the film – it’s excellent. From start to finish, it’s evident that a lot of time and attention went into its production. You don’t have to be a cartoonist to enjoy “Stripped”, but if you happen to be one – you will find yourself sitting riveted on the edge of your seat saying:

“I have found my tribe. I belong.”

It’s a good thing I didn’t watch this film with my wife, because it would confirm her strong suspicion that, in fact, all cartoonists are crazy. Actually, I’m really tempted to show her this film to let her know that, while I’m crazy, I’m not alone. :)

One of the core elements that really stuck with me is the section in the film where cartoonists discuss their creative process and motivation. Contrary to what most average folks think, cartoonists don’t wait for inspiration – they condition themselves to write no matter what. For me, this realization was a turning point in my own cartooning career. The minute I stopped worrying about getting ideas and telling myself that I WILL have an idea, come hell or high water, was the moment that I transitioned into a professional cartoonist.

You don’t get to be a professional cartoonist without logging in some serious time. There is no such thing as writers-block for a professional cartoonist. And each and every professional cartoonist, whether working analog or digital, stares at the same blank canvas.

Day in and day out.

Professional cartooning is a regimen, and this film really hits that point home. We do it because we love it – and you have to – because it’s a tremendous, nerve-wracking undertaking. Bringing the funny is tough.

Go watch “Stripped”. It’s the best love letter to comics I’ve seen. Then support your favorite cartoonists.

-Krishna