BOOK REVIEW: ‘The Incantations of Daniel Johnston’ by Ricardo Cavolo & Scott McClanahan

The Incantations of Daniel Johnson
The Incarnations of Daniel Johnston cover
Image from the Publisher

The Incantations of Daniel Johnston is a joint effort by artist Ricardo Cavolo and writer Scott McClanahan. It tells the story of musician Daniel Johnston, who was seen as a genius and inspiration by many. The graphic novel is very much an origin story, and those who aren’t familiar with the work of Johnston will not be left out in enjoying this book. Though, there are references and easter eggs that will appeal to fans more, this is still a book that should be read by all people on the spectrum of knowledge of Daniel Johnston.

Cavolo’s art is the stand out piece in this book. At first it seems unusual, like a strange taste, but the reader quickly grows accustomed to this beautiful art style. The art captures a beautiful representation of the effect that mental illness may have had on Johnston, and showed his own depth into a personal hell. On top of this, the colours that grace the page are striking, and every single illustration seemed that it was worthy to be framed. McClanahan fans will be pleased, and his writing does indeed add another levels to Cavolo’s art. There is something clear and crisp about  McClanahan’s voice, and even when he simply writes a message on a blank page, it comes forth with such clarity and bliss like being sung at by a choir.

Though, and perhaps this is the byproduct of a collaboration, one cannot help but wonder what would happen if both artists were given the freedom of their own voice. There is no doubt that Cavolo is a talented artist, and McClanahan is an extremely talented writer, so there are certain pages where I would like to have seen the combination less balanced.

The Incantations of Daniel Johnston is aware that it is working off an account of what happened, and that it might not be the gospel but it’s an interpretation of events done as best as it can. It’s this honesty that shines through, and there is a deeper theme throughout the graphic novel that Daniel Johnston could have been anyone of us. Any of us whom have had to fight our own demons or didn’t connect with the world, or didn’t quite get the chance that we deserve.

Ultimately, The Incantations of Daniel Johnston is an interesting book that chronicles the life of an unique individual. It may not be leaps and bounds above the rest to the extent that we can claim it’s one of the greatest graphic novels of recent years, but it deserves your attention, so look at these pages and explore them, and yourself.

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