MausII CHRIS BLACKALLLLLLLL

There is something intriguing about reading about the holocust through a comic book. In the readings I have noticed that Spiegelman is able to break the fourth wall and even address the reader about some of the book's idiosyncrasies like his father's stereotypical "miserly Jew" portrayal. This is interesting beyond just the telling of the Holocaust because one can see the struggle within Spiegleman himself even to continue talking to his father about his story. This seems to be an art project which was multifaceted in its purpose. Obviously the main goal was to tell his father's holocaust story however it also seems like a way for Spieggelman to really get to know his father better, to understand this man whom he both loves and  hates. In Maus II this dualistic love/hate relationship is pronounced by Spiegleman's more relaxed tone during "modern parts" where he seems to be more free in his vernacular and assessment of his own life's situations through the cathartic process of writing the story of his father. While the contemporary portions of the book, which take place in Queens, NY, are lighter and more down to earth the past remembrances of Vladek take on a much deeper and darker tone than was ever really reached in Maus I. Perhaps due to the success of Maus, Spiegelman became more comfortable with his own assessment of how to portray the story, which may explain this tonal phenomena.