Theo Macdonald: Oliver Twisted

Oliver Twisted

by Theo Macdonald

Reviewed by Robyn Kenealy

I have to admit to being a little obsessed with Theo Macdonald. It’s partly because his comics (click to enlarge the image at left) are really funny, and partly because I can’t believe how good he is for how young he is. I’m sure he hates me going on and on about his age, so I won’t repeat it here. Rest assured, however, he is probably younger than you. He draws a little bit like Matt Groening (and displays the clear influence, sometimes textually referenced, of Groening's ‘Life in Hell’ comics,) and has been pumping out a series called ‘Skate Rat’. I have bought and loved every single one of the seven issues. And they’re cheap! Five bucks, or even less! You can buy ‘em from Graphic in Cuba Mall. Go now!

But maybe you need a little encouragement. After all, it does not behove one to buy things on mere speculation during a recession. Perhaps you need me to tell you about his latest work. So, today I finally picked up (for $3.50!!) Theo’s new self published ‘zine, a comic called ‘Oliver Twisted’, and read it on the way up to University. I had a few things to do so I read it on the cable car, and it was excellent. I did actually laugh out loud and make a little bit of a fool of myself because it was so funny. It’s a truly bizarre premise for humour, too, being as it is a short comics sequel to Dickens’ novel ‘Oliver Twist.’ No, for serious. Here is what Theo has written on the inside flap: “Charles Dickens initially released Oliver Twist (the original novel) in serial form. Once his initial run was finished, he attempted to write a comic sequel. It ran for only a short time and was not well received. Here it is, reprinted in its entirety.”

Here it is, indeed. Macdonald has always had a keen eye for the ridiculous and no less so when it comes to the classics of English literature. ‘Oliver Twisted’ combines several threads of classical and recently popular narrative, dragging Sweeny Todd and Jack the Ripper (“who actually did exist”) into a very short, very funny little comic, which also, strangely enough, feels remarkably personal. I’m sure this feeling is partly because of the clear “self published” aesthetic (actually, I don’t know why I put quote marks, since it is actually self published, but I suppose I’m trying to convey the “genre” of self published comics here) but also because his anarchic adaptation of this Dickens story makes me think of being a naughty, smart kid doodling at the back of the class, like I was, and like I suspect Macdonald probably is. It’s just neat.

I actually want you to buy everything he has ever written, but if you buy one thing, by this one. Later, we’ll talk about ‘Skate Rat’, but for now, ‘Oliver Twisted’. Mmmkay?

Click for big version

ENDS