Orsolya's Reviews > A Wealth of Pigeons: A Cartoon Collection

Don’t judge me but I’ve had a crush on actor/comedian/writer/musician/etc/ Steve Marin since I was seven years old (I’m 36 at the time of this review). I can’t pinpoint what it is – but there is something very dashing about Steve Martin and it works for me (isn’t ‘dashing’ a wonderful descriptor?). Martin decided to embark on a new artistic outlet – probably the only one he has yet to traverse: cartoon/comics. Thanks to a mutual friend; Martin paired up with Harry Bliss (“The New Yorker” cover artist/cartoonist and children’s book illustrator) to present, “A Wealth of Pigeons: A Cartoon Collection”.

“A Wealth of Pigeons” is a visually graphic coffee table book that is exactly what the title states: a collection of cartoons. Within the introduction to the piece, Martin explains that the creative process for “A Wealth of Pigeons” followed two avenues: (1) Martin had an idea or caption and sent it to Bliss for him to draw the accompanying image or (2) Bliss drew an ‘orphan’ cartoon and asked Martin to think of a caption. This results in a solid collaboration with both men enjoying an artistic release.

The cartoons in “A Wealth of Pigeons” vary in illustration style, content, comic delivery (puns, dry humor, etc) and detail which helps the reader avoid boredom or stagnant art. The consistent tie between the images is the ability to be subtle. None of the cartoons are “in your face” and thus “A Wealth of Pigeons” is best for a soft chuckle rather than a loud guffaw.

A whimsical addition to “A Wealth of Pigeons”, are the cartoons in which Martin and Bliss poke fun at themselves and their collaboration. Somehow these are the most entertaining and ‘real’. Plus, many of these images are in color whereas 98% of the book is in black-and-white.

Unfortunately, some of the cartoons in “A Wealth of Pigeons” are dated and may not make sense in the future (i.e. “Un-Chance the Rapper”) but this is probably related to the position Bliss holds and his perspective from a publication space. They are creative; but dated nevertheless.

Personally, I didn’t find “A Wealth of Pigeons” to be funny overall (I’m sorry Steve! Don’t hate me! I love you!); but it regardless occupied my mind for a short time.

“A Wealth of Pigeons” is a charming, quick (one day) read but don’t expect anything life-altering. Although Martin’s one-offers are appreciated; he should stick to his other award-winning talent streams. “A Wealth of Pigeons” is suggested for die-hard Steve Martin fans or for a ‘passing’ laugh but otherwise it isn’t crucial reading material.