Why Charles Burns keeps returning to teenage angst in his graphic novels
Charles Burns, the iconic comics creator known for his exploration of teenage angst, recently found inspiration for his new book, Final Cut, in a flicker of a memory from his own adolescence. In this memory, Burns recalls sitting in a kitchen at a house party, stoned and drawing, hoping for someone incredible to walk in and admire his work. While this scenario never played out in real life, it sets the stage for the opening scene of Final Cut, where the protagonist Brian experiences a similar moment of teenage loneliness and longing for connection.
Final Cut follows childhood friends Brian and Jimmy as they set out to create a sci-fi horror movie using an old eight-millimetre camera. With Laurie, a redhead who serves as Brian’s muse, the trio embarks on a journey to a remote cabin in the mountains. As Brian grapples with balancing his dreams and reality, the story delves into themes of friendship, creativity, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.
Despite initially attempting to write about a middle-aged character, Burns found himself drawn back to the teenage experience that has served as the foundation for much of his work. He explains that the vivid, intense emotions of adolescence continue to resonate with him, fueling his creative process. The decision to center Final Cut around filmmaking was inspired by Burns’ own teenage years spent watching and creating low-budget horror movies with friends. The story reflects the sense of camaraderie and nostalgia associated with those formative experiences.
One of the central themes in Final Cut is the power of art to provide a sense of agency and control in the face of personal and professional challenges. Brian’s ability to write his own narrative through his artistic pursuits mirrors Burns’ own drive to tell stories and express himself through his work. The act of creation, for both Brian and Burns, serves as a form of catharsis and a means of exploring complex emotions and experiences.
As Burns continues to delve into the world of teenage angst and creativity, he acknowledges the inexplicable urge to tell these stories and the sense of discovery that comes from the creative process. While he feels fortunate to have found an audience for his work, Burns emphasizes that the true fulfillment comes from the act of creating itself. Whether sitting at a table sketching comics or writing a new story, he is driven by the desire to capture that elusive feeling of inspiration and connection.
In conclusion, Charles Burns’ return to the teenage experience in Final Cut highlights the enduring power of adolescence as a source of inspiration and storytelling. Through the lens of filmmaking and friendship, Burns explores the complexities of youth, creativity, and the search for meaning in a world in transition.
