Biography of an Autobiographer

While Time magazine graciously casts a positive light on comics, many Americans are still being fed the same old, same old—especially when it comes to the most obvious form of mainstream comic consumption: big budget comic book movie adaptations. Not that there is anything wrong with a popcorn flick; it is simply time for comics, as an intelligent, estimable form of literature, to rocket into the next stratosphere—so to speak.

Speaking of movies, one compelling short documentary about a world-renowned, young cartoonist is making the rounds this year at independent film festivals, spotlighting what comics are truly capable of as a mean of expression. It is also garnering plenty of attention for its talented subject: 32-year-old, Jeffrey Brown. The film has earned two awards during the brief run so far.

According to creator, Bruce Parsons, Drawing Between the Lines examines the autobiographical world of award-winning Chicago cartoonist, Jeffrey Brown. Whether sitting in his apartment, riding the L-train, or traveling the country promoting his work, Brown spends his time filling the pages of sketchbooks. His graphic novels provide a humorous, yet intensely personal look at love, sex, and relationships. The nineteen-minute documentary explores Brown’s candid approach to storytelling and unconventional method of cartooning with insight from friends, fans, and fellow cartoonists.  

Cue the Valley connection: Samurai Comics in Central Phoenix. The upstart neighborhood comics shop is bringing Drawing Between the Lines, along with Parsons and Brown, to Phoenix for a special one night only event on Wednesday, November 7th.

“It’s absolutely incredible to have the opportunity to get our community behind comics,” says Samurai Comics Owner, Mike Banks. “We pride ourselves on breaking the geek mold—getting people away from the mindset that everyone reading comic books acts, thinks, and looks like Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons. We don’t necessarily mind him; we just feel like there’s so much more to be had out of the medium…Jeffrey Brown’s comics absolutely exemplify that idea.”
Brown’s humility and candid sense of humor shine when he speaks about how the documentary came about.

“Bruce [Parsons] found out about me from Liz Prince, another cartoonist, who does some really funny autobiography,” he begins. “After reading some of my work, Bruce got in touch with me about doing the film. I enjoyed working on it, but to be honest, it’s a little weird for me to even think about—watching a film about myself drawing comics about myself.”

Now, just half a decade after he began drawing comics, the legendarily prolific artist can see things moving in a different direction—at least subject-wise.

“When I began making comics I don’t think I really had a concept of publishing, or markets, or readers, or anything. I was just drawing like I always have. It has been five years. In five [more] years I think I’ll be finished with drawing so much autobiography. What it comes down to is that I’ll have said everything I imagine wanting to say with autobiography…part of it is wanting to do something different, try some different directions, maybe even historical comics, biography, something along those lines.”

Brown’s comics, being as acutely personal as they are, seem to ask questions: what is reader reaction like?  Have there been crazy fan experiences? Can autobiographical work come back to haunt its creator?

“I don’t think I’ve really had any crazy fan stories,” he says. “Mostly, I think because my books are written in this kind of intimate form, like letters to friends or something, people tend to interact with me on that level. So they might be a little more open or vulnerable, which is something I’ve had to become adjusted to. I don’t know that I’ve found it damaging to write openly about myself, but I think I managed to do that with some luck, because it all could’ve very easily gone bad.  I’m much more careful about what I’m writing now.”


As busy as he is, the event at Samurai Comics will be the first time Brown is able to attend a screening of the film, and he’s particularly excited about the prospect of coming to Phoenix.

“It’s funny, because it was probably five years ago when I first met some of the people from Samurai Comics, and they were supporters of my work early on. We’ve talked for years about having me coming out to do a signing, so it’s great to finally have an event there,” says Brown.

Drawing Between the Lines is showing at 7pm at Samurai Comics’ Phoenix location at 5024 North 7th St, just north of Camelback on November 7th. Brown and Parsons will be on hand for a Q&A after the movie and will stay until 9pm to sign autographs. Brown will also be available for sketching during that time. A local autobiographical comic art show will run from the date of the event through November. For more information, visit samuraicomics.com