Eddie Campbell is a Scottish comics artist, who has been a widely known author for decades. He allows a lot of history to influence his work, such as Greek mythology, as well as tie in his own autobiographical story lines. He is able to connect different concepts throughout his work, creating an undertone of authenticity for the readers to enjoy. His latest book is no different, which merges different elements to the story line, but what is even more influential and unique is his way to establish a comic book in a way that reads as a novel.

Money is something we all have to deal with and attempt to prove that is positively influential in our lives, rather than an unfortunate issue. Eddie Campbell’s book tells the story of just that: trying to find a way for money to be a constructive component to society, instead of a game of downfalls. Throughout Campbell’s graphic novel, money is compared to time, obstacles, and referred to as “The Lovely Horrible Stuff.”

‘The Lovely Horrible Stuff’, or money, prevents the real growth and creativity of each individual that could be formed overtime due to having to spend so much time to figure out the obstructions of income. While it has only two chapters, the text provides many scenarios that all readers can relate to when dealing with the preventative actions of money and the people in charge of it. These continuous situations are unfortunately relatable to all readers who have ever dealt with trying to make a living. The story tells of money not being trustworthy, as well as the people who speak of it. Who do you trust? Since you cannot trust money or people in your life, you spend your time daydreaming, which in turn costs you time which could have been spent making money.

Campbell’s story spends some time examining Yap, an island in the Caroline Islands, where money is still very influential and powerful today. Captain O’Keefe who is believed to be a historical sailor, who tried to alter Yap’s society, is also brought up throughout the latter part of the book. O’Keefe is an additional example of what happens when one messes with money to the book. Campbell involves people from the past such as O’Keefe and Shakespeare with the story’s present situation in a way that shows how ridiculous money has been throughout time.

The illustrations highlight the great comic drawing skills Campbell has, which help to depict the meaning behind the words, as well as adding humor to the story. The book is honest, which allows readers to see how truly backwards the world is due to money’s control over their lives. Campbell’s artistic skill of drawing really adds a unique touch. The images create a way for the reader to see the story at its greatest potential by depicting different actions and perspectives. Something that is also unique is there are many types of pictures throughout including photographs, sketches, and computer-generated images. The variety of images emphasizes different story lines within the book, as well as connecting the reader’s real life to the message.

The Lovely Horrible Stuff exemplifies the affects money has on a person, on family, on business relationships, and ultimately on the world as a whole. There is no better depiction of justifying the feeling of resentment toward money than this story.

Eddie Campbell’s The Lovely Horrible Stuff is available for purchase on July 10, 2012.

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