thewickerstan

Hey Ethan!

This is a bit silly, but I’d first like to say that you’re a total inspiration to me as a young person trying to pursue the arts. Beyond your impeccable performances in your films, I’ve enjoyed watching your interviews where you share your passion for what you do while casually dropping nuggets of wisdom not only about art but life in general (advice for people in their 20’s, the pursuit of happiness etc). From your appearance on Sam Jones’s show “Off Camera” to your Ted Talk that you shared about a year ago, I’ve found all of that to be a wonderful source of inspiration, especially at moments when I feel lost or unsure of myself. I just wanted to tell you this so you knew that the advice you share isn’t just going into the void: there’s people like myself who really appreciate this stuff! So I thank you for that.

Now the questions!

Greg, how would you describe the current state of graphic novels? Are we about to reach a renaissance of sorts? What would you also say is the most underrated aspect of your medium?

And Ethan, I saw a while ago that you consider “Anna Karenina” to be your favorite book! I spent the summer reading it and I think it’s usurped “East of Eden” as the best thing I’ve ever read. I was curious to know...

1. What were some of your favorite moments in the book?
2. What did you think of Konstantin Levin?

Levin's my favorite character too! I really connected with a lot of his qualities, both the good and the bad.

I read somewhere that he was also a stand-in for Tolstoy. The bit where he gives Kitty the diary was taken directly from Tolstoy's own proposal.

Thanks for answering!

Great answer! Thanks!