The Canvas: The Consolidation

March 31, 2008 —

by James Fry

James M. Zimmer II, an SVSU art senior, works on his latest sketches for his graphic novel, The Consolidation.

Art senior James M. Zimmer II is delving into his own psyche - through the creation of a unique graphic novel. The Consolidation, set to be completed within five years, combines (or consolidates) Zimmer's education in art and creative writing. The bulk of the story follows six members of a seven member "council" in search of their missing member - who happens to be Zimmer himself.

"All of the council members are characters from other stories of mine. Consolidation allows me to bring them together in the same world. This is one of the reasons for the title."

As the characters return to their homes and begin searching for Zimmer, they begin to discover that they are not only representations of Zimmer's personality, but also that they exist inside of his mind. This twist allows for him not only to be a major character and the object of the search, but also the villain of the story. Zimmer, both the writer and the illustrator, says that when completed, the work should be about seven or eight issues with a final page count of around 150.

Beginning with sketching during class in his middle school years, Zimmer dabbled with cartooning all through high school and into college. Viewing the craft primarily as a release of expression, he didn't take it seriously until deciding to start a graphic novel.

"I really wanted to combine my training in art and creative writing," he said. "A graphic novel seemed to be the logical connection."

This combination, another reason for the title, allows him to test what he has learned in the last four years at SVSU. In addition to this, he said that this project gives him the unique opportunity to examine his own life and his experiences with his "multiple creative personalities syndrome." These different personalities, falling under categories of authority figure, anti-authority figure, professional, amateur, rational and irrational all appear in The Consolidation, and in Zimmer's life.

"It's one of the paradoxes that we all live with. Everyone has feelings that fall under each category. This work addresses that complexity."

This project, as well as much of his other work, is based on a theme of social commentary. Set in the near future, the graphic novel explores the growth of characters that discover themselves by taking an outside journey.

"I really want to connect with my audience. I'm not going to know the person looking at my work, so I want to give them something to respond to."

In addition to working on The Consolidation and taking classes, Zimmer is also in a band and runs his own business. His band, Beta Max/Dark Fox Down, plays industrial metal and is currently working on its first demo CD.

His business, run out of his home in Port Huron, designs and paints murals for local homes and businesses.

After graduating from SVSU, Zimmer hopes to rely on his skills and have the freedom to wander, following wherever his artistic urges take him.