Review and Art Night: Poetry Comics by Grant Snider

Poetry Comics by Grant Snider

Chronicle Books, 2024

My Quick Take: If I had an 8-12 year old again, I would absolutely want this book on my shelf to read with them! And it was a good read for my middle-aged self too.

I paired this book with an art night with my spouse and friends Simon and Dominique after I was inspired by Snider’s Substack post about making poetry comics.

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I stumbled upon Snider’s Substack called Incidental Comics, and more specifically, his post from April 2024 called “How To Make Poetry Comics.” I am not an excellent poet, nor do I have any skill with art or drawing, but something about his mini-tutorial took root, and I proposed a "make your own poetry comics" event with friends. This group of me, my spouse, and another couple occasionally gather on a weekend afternoon for an art project, usually organised by wonderful artist Dominique, and it always taps a part of me that I don't access often. I don't consider myself "artistic" but I try to let go of my normal need for orderliness and perfection and it's always a positive process. And fun too!

In advance of our art get together, I decided to check out Snider's March 2024 graphic novel Poetry Comics.

It’s delightful! The book is divided into sections corresponding to the season: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Snider’s art is simple, with a full palette that reflects the subject, sometimes bold and bright, sometimes more subdued. Each sequence is a poem put to pictures. Snider focuses on a concept, such as “Opposites” or “Snowfall”; or an activity, like “Fishing,” or “Fall Walk,” and creates a simple poem that will be very relatable to youngsters. I particularly liked some panels that evoke ideas around an emotion, like “Joy.”

"Joy" from Poetry Comics by Grant Snider

I think that this book could be an excellent parent-child read for kids younger than 8. A Kindergarten/Grade 1 child would get a lot from it, and it would have great value as an addition to any home bookshelf. 

Alan's movie theatre-inspired creation

To the art event! The four of us met last Saturday afternoon, and I arrived armed with paper, Snider's Substack tutorial on my laptop, and the book Poetry Comics. We sat down to snacks and good music. In fact, our hosts Simon and Dominique had unearthed their cassette tapes, AND they have a tape player, so we chose excellent 80s and 90s music to listen to (including some of Dominique's mix tapes recorded off the radio, like we used to do in the olden days) while we drew. 

Simon's meditation on fall.

Dominique took inspiration from an orange on the table.

The process of coming up with an idea, adapting it to comic panels on the paper, drawing it and then putting poetry to the images was entirely absorbing. One thing I'll say for this activity: it's a great way to distract your brain from the ills of the world, if just for half an hour. 

It was fun and I plumbed the depths of my creativity and came up with some pretty cool poetry comics of my own. However, I had to put all my self-judgment aside, as I am clearly not a skilled artist, and apparently don’t know how to use colour super effectively (at least for blog post and Instagram pictures). Yes, mine is the last comic featured here, and it is a bit sad in terms of the art. But I think my ideas were fantastic and my poetry is pretty good. That said, I should probably avoid drawing people...it never turns out well. But it was SO worthwhile!

My poetry comic. I like the concept and the words, but the art?...Hmm.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with your friends or children in your lives, I’d recommend this bookish writing and drawing adventure. If you do, let me know! I’d love to see your creations.

Happy reading, writing and drawing!