Murray Ball (1) (1939–2017)

Not going to say too much about it, firstly as most of my non-Kiwi friends wouldn't have a clue about Dog, Wal, Cooch, Horse, Major and co, and secondly as there is no words to describe it. The all-time classic Kiwi cartoon (actually, probably the only one) Footrot Flats was a staple in every New Zealand household, certainly through the 80s, and as a boy I keenly awaited each volume of strips released, which were merely a collection of the strips printed in The Press newspaper I read religiously (as an atheist of course) growing up.

While some strips are lost on people, even those from the Antipodes, myself, growing up on 4500 acres, dogs in tow, baling hay, crutching sheep, and playing rugby, it was confirmation that what we did day in, day out, was normal.

Whether a beginner, or an aficionado, get this book out. With notes from Murray Ball gracing most pages explaining the concept behind his sketches, this is as good as it gets to understand that wee chuck of New Zealand life.… (mehr)

This big, heavy book is best read in bed or on the floor so you don't have to strain your muscles holding it while you read. It's very much worth the read, though. Ball's strips describe life on a New Zealand farm, told from the point of view of the sheepdog. They are funny, true to life, charming and clever. For non-Kiwis they also provide a chance to discover interesting New Zealand slang. A variety of very nice color plates are interspersed throughout the book. My only regret is that the color covers of the original comics books were not reproduced as a number of those are exceptional.

Worth owning, re-reading, and possibly weightlifting.… (mehr)