Lynd Ward (1905-1985) is considered the father of the American graphic novel and one of the most prolific book illustrators and printmakers in the history of American art.
Featuring more than 150 woodblock prints, drawings and illustrations by this important American artist and storyteller, the 90-minute documentary brings Ward's creativity to life and illustrates his mastery of textless narrative. His work chronicles American life in the 20th century and demonstrates his deep personal commitment to social justice and the plight of the working man in the years of the Great Depression.
Written, narrated and directed by Michael Maglaras and executive produced by Terri Templeton, the documentary includes an interview with Ward's daughter, Robin Ward Savage.
It can be viewed in full via Vimeo on the 217 Films website, where there is also a full statement from the director about the intentions and approach of the work.
According to Maglaras, In 1929, the year Lynd's first wordless novel, Gods' Man, appeared, "he became the chronicler of the terrible years of the Depression because Lynd was a prophet and knew what was coming, and when it came, he was deeply moved by the sharp and sudden decline of American society. He knew well the reasons for the collapse, and over the next eight years and through five other graphic novels he beat the drum and did what he could to sound the call to arms."
In 2018, Art Spiegelman reclaimed the work of Lynd Wards as a forgotten comics legend from whom he found inspiration.
Link discovered thanks to the tip-off from colleague a b c.
