This is as Bad as it Gets: A Voutch Cartoon Collection

Therapy By Laughter

That's the way Psychologies magazine refers to the popular French cartoonist Voutch. Now Americans—who certainly can use a good laugh—will get their own funny bone-tickling treatment with Voutch's This Is as Bad as It Gets (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $16.95).

In this American debut, Voutch uses the sophisticated technique of gouache painting to create 150 stunning images. The full-color illustrations combined with Voutch's uniquely sardonic humor make This Is as Bad as It Gets as aesthetic as it is amusing.

This Is as Bad as It Gets lends a touch of cynicism and irony to the most absurd aspects of civilization—from artistic pretension and tactless doctors to outrageous technological advances and the people who use them—creating an extraordinarily witty and surprisingly poignant critique of human idiosyncrasies.

Anyone who enjoys a good laugh at themselves, or simply at the general idiocy of mankind, will appreciate the unique humor, beautiful art, and remarkable tenderness that unfold throughout the pages of This Is as Bad as It Gets.

About Voutch

Voutch grew up in the Vosges region of France and resides in Paris. His first contact with comics was in his parents' library where he discovered de Testu, Otto Soglow, Saul Steinberg, and Maurice Henry. After a series of misadventures involving unfortunate timing and one misunderstanding, Voutch became a designer in a PR agency where he spent 15 years, during which time he became co-champion of the world in boomerang throwing. In 1995, Voutch began cartooning and published his first works in popular French magazines. Two years later, Voutch's first cartoon collection was published.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Contact: Tammie Barker, (800) 851-8923, ext. 6921, tbarker@amuniversal.com

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This is as Bad as it Gets: A Voutch Cartoon Collection

By: Voutch
ISBN-13: 978-0-7407-4672-7
Format: Paperback: 8 1/2 x 11, 128 pages
Price: $16.95 ($20.95 Canada)