Marilyn Monroe’s famous words come to mind while reading Drawing Blood #6: “Hollywood is the place that pays a thousand dollars for a kiss and 50 cents for a soul,” and I’m sure Drawing Blood protagonist Shane ‘Books’ Bookman would agree with her, calling director Morgan Harbor, who is adapting the Radically Rearranged Ronin Ragdolls comics, the man “to whom I currently owe my soul.”
Indeed, previous issues of Drawing Blood have highlighted just how cornered Brooks is, but on the set of the film it really hits home. Co-creator David Avalon pulls no punches, portraying Harbour as a professional publicist one minute and a tornado of toxic masculinity the next. As if that wasn’t enough, he flashes back to when Ragdoll became an animated series, alluding to the fraying bond between Books and his brother Paul. It’s yet another painful reminder that fame and fortune can drive a wedge between people, especially when it comes to family and friends.
Ben Bishop does a great job of balancing the ridiculous with the heartfelt. A scene in which Books calls to check in on the progress of his play is followed by the play literally bursting into flames. While a major fire probably wouldn’t happen in the real world, it’s a great indication of what his life is like at the time. Books’ love life, or lack thereof, is brought to the forefront, and Ragdolls are re-introduced. Though they are cartoonish characters, they again give him space for introspection.
It would be remiss of me not to point out the effort that Luis Antonio Delgado and Taylor Esposito put into this series. Delgado’s mix of rosy reds and golden hues perfectly captures the California sunsets, and he also adjusts the colors depending on whether Books is too deep in his thoughts. Esposito’s lettering also changes depending on what the character is saying, especially the captions that detail Books’ thoughts. Harbor in particular goes from 0 to 11 in a millisecond.
Drawing Blood #6 explores the workings of Hollywood, the dangers of opening up, and the pitfalls of fame, but it also gives its protagonist some breathing space — much-needed space, considering the next issue sees Books return to his childhood home.
“Drawing Blood” #6 is about heartache and Hollywood
Draw blood #6
Drawing Blood #6 explores the workings of Hollywood, the dangers of opening up, and the pitfalls of fame, but it also gives its protagonist some time to breathe.
We reach the halfway point and give our protagonist some time to breathe.
I admire Bishop’s ability to paint images that are completely ridiculous and yet retain an emotional edge.
The colors and the letters represent how big Hollywood is… and how it can make you feel painfully small.
Avalon deals with the pitfalls of fame and a tumultuous love life, sometimes at the same time.
