Now let me tell ya about this thing called the Acme Novelty Datebook. I reckon it’s somethin’ real special, though it ain’t the kinda thing you’d expect to see sittin’ on a kitchen table. Nah, it’s more like a fancy book you find in a big city store or somethin’. So, this here Datebook, it ain’t just any ol’ calendar, it’s a whole collection of sketches and diary pages, done by a fella named Chris Ware. He’s the one behind it, and let me tell ya, this thing is somethin’ else!

The Acme Novelty Datebook comes in a few volumes, and the one I’m talkin’ about today is Volume Three. It covers the years from 2002 to 2023, a good stretch of time, huh? That’s over two decades of stuff packed into one book. Now, I ain’t no expert on this kinda thing, but from what I can tell, it’s got a lotta drawings and stories about everyday life, mixed in with some of Chris Ware’s own thoughts. It’s like peekin’ into someone’s personal diary, but with a whole lotta pictures.
This Volume Three, it’s real slick. They say it’s hardcover, which means it’s built to last. You won’t be worryin’ about it fallin’ apart anytime soon. And I’ve heard folks say it’s a bit pricey, goin’ for around $49.95. That might seem like a lot, but if you’re into collectin’ these kinds of things, I suppose it’s worth it. They say it’s a must-have for people who like Chris Ware’s work, and folks seem to think the Acme Novelty Library series is top-notch. Now, I don’t know about all that, but it sure sounds fancy, don’t it?
Now, I reckon you’re wonderin’ what makes this thing so special. Well, it’s not just the fancy cover or the price tag. It’s the way this book makes you feel. Chris Ware’s art ain’t your regular ol’ pictures. It’s got a kinda melancholy to it, like it’s speakin’ to the quiet moments in life. He’s got a way of showin’ the little things, the stuff most folks don’t notice—like the way the light hits a chair or how the room feels when it’s empty. Some people might find it too deep, but if you like thinkin’ about life a bit, it’ll speak to ya.
If you’re curious, you might wanna know where to get this thing. Well, they say you can order it online or pick it up in stores. I reckon they might even ship it to your house, so you don’t gotta leave the comfiness of your chair. The book came out in 2013, but there’s also a new edition comin’ out in October 2024. I’m guessin’ they’ll have a few extra pages in there, or maybe some new stuff. I don’t know for sure, but that’s what I’d guess. Either way, whether it’s the old or the new, you’re gettin’ a real treat when you grab one of these books.
One thing I noticed is that people who like this book really seem to love it. They’ve been givin’ it good reviews, sayin’ it’s somethin’ you just can’t put down once you start. Ain’t that somethin’? I reckon if you like books that make you think, the Acme Novelty Datebook is right up your alley.
So, if you’re thinkin’ about gettin’ one, you better act fast. Books like this don’t always stick around forever, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Whether you’re lookin’ for a piece of art, a bit of history, or just somethin’ to make you pause and reflect, the Acme Novelty Datebook might just be what you’re lookin’ for. Don’t let it slip by without takin’ a peek!
Tags:[Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Datebook, Volume Three, Acme Novelty Library, graphic novels, diary sketches, hardcover books, Chris Ware books, 2024 edition, collectors edition]