Cartoon Classics: a novel [Kindle Edition]

John Twipnook is a name to remember - not only because it is a twister of a moniker but because it is attached to a creative mind who has moved from writing screenplays to entering the arena of writing novels. This may be his debut effort but CARTOON CLASSICS already shows evidence of skills, especially in dialogue, that many writers take several short stories and novellas to novels to attain. In one book he manages to write parodies about the film industry, the fine art of documentary creation, sibling interaction, lust cum love - and, for this reader, that hilarious ping pong match between the Brits and the Yanks that when pulled off in the subtle way Twipnook accomplishes makes for some of the better patter to be found in contemporary books.

Very briefly, this book is a journal written by a British filmmaker with ambitions to make it in Hollywood named Oscar and his initial venture into his new home of Los Angeles and first job as making a documentary about a bizarre little low key (read low class) studio named Cartoon Classics who want to jump into the public spotlight when they complete their cartoon animated feature film 'The Little Sea Girl' (oops, that is changed to 'Anna and the Sea Cow' when the beast of copyright raises its head). The folks in the studio want to be interviewed by Oscar to create an imaginative documentary, as much about their ego needs as the success of their product. How Oscar copes with this crew, how he deals with such bumps in the road as his camera being soaked in dog urine and the surprise landing of his over-the-top adolescent sister Octavia (etc!), his doings with a 6' 2" tall bar girl Lassie ad other distractions is what makes the story roll along at such a fast clip (aided by the journal entry technique of writing) that before the reader knows it the book is finished.

For this reader, as entertaining as the story is, the most interesting aspect of this novel is the bifurcation of how American see themselves versus how a British visitor describes us. There are some hilarious episodes that make the reader want to dog-ear a page to return to at a later time, but then in a couple of pages further and the laughter momentum, subtle at times as in parody or satire and flat out belly laugh quality at other times, drops that idea on its head. Even the cover art by Meg Part captures the essence of this story - our Oscar in his British tee focuses his camera on the lighter coast of the US, Hollywood in particular, surrounded by Bambi characters. The whole experience is a hoot! Grady Harp, August 11

One thing I like best about fiction, especially that of the indie variety, is the glimpse it can offer into professions and subcultures that are outside the mainstream. In Cartoon Classics, John Twipnook treats us to an insider's look at the madcap culture of an upstart animated film company. Presented through the satiric lens of English film student Oscar, who takes up residence at Cartoon Classics to gather material for a documentary, it's easy to see that Twipnook writes from personal experience.

Though far from likeable or even sympathetic, Oscar works as the story's protagonist because his British-laced observations illuminate the absurdity of our oh-so-American film industry and of the Hollywood lifestyle. At the same time, Oscar unwittingly ends up lampooning many things British, like the coveted classic Jaguars that are maintenance nightmares and the fascination with pubs and room-temperature beer.

While the story has a basic plot (Oscar's attempts to make a documentary from Cartoon Classics' frantic production of a "Little Mermaid" knock-off) and a couple of subplots (one involving Oscar's underage, party-girl sister and another concerning Oscar's relationship with an Amazonian Irish bartender) plot here is clearly secondary to character, and (above all) satire. And whether this novel resonates with particular readers may depend on how well the journal-based narrative structure holds their attention. For me, it made for a somewhat-choppy reading experience,with an ending that seemed too abrupt and anti-climactic for a true novel. I also found myself confused as to the time period of the story, as the drawing-based animation and references to tapes felt like early-90s, while a reference to "The Patriot" (released in 2000) pegged it to the 21st Century.

Shortcomings aside, this is a worthwhile read, especially for those with an interest in the film industry and a taste for quirky satire.

Note: I was offered a copy of Cartoon Classics by the author in exchange for an honest review.

There are few places in the world more ridiculous than Los Angeles, especially as it relates to the film industry which tends to be one big hustle. John Twipnook's "Cartoon Classics" expertly skewers the silly business of show and provides a thoroughly entertaining romp through the land of entertainment. Twipnook presumably draws from his own experiences in Hollywood for this outlandish tale of a low-rent animation studio and the aspiring British documentarian brought on to highlight its first film foray. It is a brilliant bit of madness as the animated project morphs and changes daily--this is clearly art by way of committee and commerce. Many might envision that this comedic tale is writ large for the sake of humor, but it strikes uncomfortably close to reality as well. As a former Angeleno on the periphery of the entertainment industry, I found just enough truth in "Cartoon Classics" to declare it a pointed and very successful (as well as specific) satire.

At the heart of the story resides the delightfully clueless Oscar. Fresh from Great Britain, and quite proud of it, Oscar dreams of winning an Academy Award for what he knows will be his epic first film. The studio, Cartoon Classics, is poised to be a major player and Oscar buys into the public relations and hyperbole with a minimum of thought or critical analysis. He is blind to the glory that is Hollywood, even if he's holed up in the most unglamorous of circumstances. As good as the studio material is, though, Twipnook's narrative thrives on Oscar being as self-involved and aloof from reality as possible. As the studio crumbles around his feet, Oscar maintains the cool demeanor of an outsider presuming all is going according to plan. Adding to his experience is an Amazonian girlfriend and a flighty sister. Juggling many issues, but never losing sight of the most important thing--HIMSELF--the novel delights in Oscar's complete ignorance.

Twipnook manages to throw quite a bit into his tale---including Russian gangsters and strife in Senegal--but this is first and foremost a cautionary tale on the evils (or practicalities) of movie making. As a film lover, I especially loved Oscar's dogged pursuit of teaching his cohorts about classic British film. The narrative captures all the most ludicrous and lurid aspects of making a film and amplifies them for maximum impact. And as the reader is always more savvy than the luckless Oscar, it provides a unique perspective. If you like entertainment humor, push this into your reading queue. It is especially delightful and demented if you have a familiarity with the Valley it is set in (but, of course, it's not a prerequisite). An insider's tale that should be accessible to anyone who enjoys a great satire--this was a fun and easy read! KGHarris, 7/11.