New Construction

L.A. Times Book Prizes Finalist (Graphic Novel/Comics) 2016

"Alden has an explicit gift, no doubt well-practiced, for drawings that are effortless in their breezy sloppiness – a quick hand, never belabored – that simultaneously exhibits a brilliant technical ability for composition, lighting, detail, and abstraction. His natural ability seems to reach all the way back to Rembrandt."—LA Times Review of Books

"With his delicate pencil work and skill for atmospheric, emotionally rich storytelling, Sam Alden has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in alt-comics. His new graphic novel New Construction is an exceptional showcase of his cartooning prowess."—Onion AV Club

"Alden's art is often described as evocative and rich in atmosphere, which it is – but it's also rich in information. I think as comic readers, we have been trained to be lazy, to skim over the pretty pictures and let text guide our understanding. If we linger over images, it’s for our own visual pleasure. That’s fine, but with New Construction, a careless reading is not going to cut it. These stories are not like your typical Hollywood blockbuster where you can mentally check out because all the important plot points, not to mention emotional cues, will be shoved down your throat. New Construction requires your full attention."—Cute Juice Comics

L.A. Times Book Prizes Finalist (Graphic Novel/Comics) 2016

"Alden has an explicit gift, no doubt well-practiced, for drawings that are effortless in their breezy sloppiness – a quick hand, never belabored – that simultaneously exhibits a brilliant technical ability for composition, lighting, detail, and abstraction. His natural ability seems to reach all the way back to Rembrandt."—LA Times Review of Books

"With his delicate pencil work and skill for atmospheric, emotionally rich storytelling, Sam Alden has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in alt-comics. His new graphic novel New Construction is an exceptional showcase of his cartooning prowess."—Onion AV Club

"Alden's art is often described as evocative and rich in atmosphere, which it is – but it's also rich in information. I think as comic readers, we have been trained to be lazy, to skim over the pretty pictures and let text guide our understanding. If we linger over images, it’s for our own visual pleasure. That’s fine, but with New Construction, a careless reading is not going to cut it. These stories are not like your typical Hollywood blockbuster where you can mentally check out because all the important plot points, not to mention emotional cues, will be shoved down your throat. New Construction requires your full attention."—Cute Juice Comics