Review- STUDS TERKEL'S WORKING

STUDS TERKEL'S WORKING (The New Press, First Printing, 2009; Softcover)

Original Graphic Novel

Writers: Studs Terkel, adapted by Harvey Pekar with additional adaptations by Sharon Rudhal, Peter Kuper, Sabrina Jones, Lance Tooks, Danny Fingeroth, and Gary Dumm

Artists: Sharon Rudhal, Anne Timmons, Dylan A.T. Miner, Peter Kuper, Sabrina Jones, Joan Reilly, Peter Gullerud, Ryan Insana, Lance Tooks, Bob Hall, Terry LaBan, Pablo G. Callejo, Emily Nemens, Nick Thorkelson, and Gary Dumm

Studs Terkel's Working is a fascinating look at what people do for a living. Or more accurately, what we used to do for a living. The original novel was published in 1972, and the field of labor has changed dramatically in the past 45 years. That said, many of these jobs still exist, although the attitudes against people who are employed in these fields is much different than it was at the time that the original book was published.

For example, people once looked up to teachers and factory workers. Now they are frowned upon because of unions. In the decades since the original work was published, labor has become anti-people and more pro-company. Technology and our society as a whole has dehumanized us all, to the point where we are all cogs in machines pressed to produce. Every worker is more efficient than ever and yet is valued less than before by companies.

This book is based on interviews that were done with people in various professions. Mailman, teacher, farm worker, and even prostitutes. It is that tale, Hooker, that is the most riveting in the book. While nearly all of the tales mention the downfalls and changes within the profession, it is this one which is the most disturbing.

Pekar adapted 12 of the 28 short stories that comprise this graphic novel, so it is not a true Pekar book, but most of the stories are well done. I got a kick out of seeing 1980s Marvel veterans Danny Fingeroth and Bob Hall team up for a few stories here. Most of the people who worked on this book are unknown quantities to me.

Harvey Pekar is the everyman, and he is hands down the man for the job of putting the polish on these tales. Pekar is the type of guy who no longer exists. A guy who just wants to get by, with no delusions of grandeur about becoming a CEO or someone important. He gets what is really important about life, and that is regular people who do regular work.

Junk Food For Thought rating: 4 out of 5.

The OCD zone- Library books are fascinating science experiments in the workmanship of the materials used to make these books.

Paper stock: Matte uncoated stock.

Binding: Perfect bound trade paperback.

Cardstock cover notes: Cardstock has a matte coating and a 1/3 length fold over on the inside of the front and back covers, giving an added heft and durability to the cover.