Review: Once There Was Dancing by Sean Azzopardi
If you're looking for deeply reflective and autobiographical comics that delve into a comic creator's life across different decades, then Once There Was Dancing by Sean Azzopardi is just what you need. The comic is part of the Life's a Party series. Known for his candid and introspective storytelling, the series explores themes of ageing, self-acceptance, and his complex relationship with alcohol.
Once There Was Dancing jumps through time from a trip to Hull in the mid-1980s to Azzopardi's time running an indie club night in London in the late '90s to his current life in Hull. He contrasts his experiences with alcohol during his club days with events that occur twenty-five years later. After attending a signing event at everyone's favourite London comic shop, Gosh! Comics, he ended up partying late into the night, missing the last train back to Hull and becoming stranded far from home.
Starting with the art, Azzopardi has a lovely cartoonist style that conveys a lot of emotion and heart. The depiction of alcohol as an overwhelming sea and time as an uncaring presence adds depth to the story, making it both relatable and thought-provoking.
There are pages where he lets the art tell the story with little to no words, which works wonderfully in expressing the passing of time and the effects of drinking with just the art. It's a powerful way to tell a story using visual metaphors as alcohol takes hold to enhance the storytelling.
As for the story, Azzopardi's unfiltered honesty and self-deprecating humour provide insight into his past and present, offering readers a heartfelt look into his journey. There are some hard-hitting moments and raw honesty in how his life has been affected. It's an entertaining story, but mixed with openness and rawness, that adds a whole other layer to the comic.
Once There Was Dancing showcases Azzopardi's talent for blending personal reflection with captivating storytelling. The art helps guide the story along beautifully, taking full control where needed. It's just a fantastic way to tell a visual story. This is a must-read for fans of autobiographical comics and anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of human experiences, especially where alcohol is concerned. Or seeing a bit into the life of a comic creator.
Rating: 4.5/5
If you want to grab yourself a copy, head over to phatcomics.co.uk where it's available for just £6.
