PICK OF THE WEEK: "Wendy" by Walter Scott

Graphic novel satire of an aspiring artist and millennial culture

During my recent hang with Brad Troemel in Sydney, the subject of art school came up, and Brad asked if I was familiar with the “Wendy” books by Walter Scott. Having lost touch with the world of graphic novels somewhere post-Eighball, I was not. Taking note of Brad’s profound enthusiasm, I ordered the four graphic novels by Walter Scott; “Wendy”, “Wendy’s Revenge”, “Wendy: Master of Art” and “The Wendy Award” right away, and have spent the last couple of weeks deeply immersed in Wendy’s world.

The “Wendy” books were a critical sensation, documenting and satirizing millennial culture, creative ennui, and the nepotism of the art world’s institutions. The Guardian announced that “in her confusion and her cowardice, Wendy is – only now can I see this clearly – the authentic voice of a bewildered generation”.

I found myself both deeply identifying with Wendy the protagonist, in her confused but ambitious quest for artistic fulfilment, career progress and hedonistic transcendence, but also infuriated by her repetition of personal mistakes and mix of deep self-awareness and profound personal blindspots.

Wendy’s navigation of the contemporary art world, encountering every archetype from genuine talent, edgelords, PC grifters, and a myriad of untreated mental health issues is highly relatable to anyone who has attempted to forge a career in a volatile and changing landscape.

But it’s Wendy’s exploration of friendships, romance and personal longing that really moved me. Above all, Wendy wants love and connection, like we all do. And the journey Scott takes us on begs the question; is being an artist helping Wendy move closer to what she wants or further away from it?

Order the WENDY books from AMAZON HERE