Julia Wertz

Julia Wertz is an American cartoonist, graphic novelist and artist known for her autobiographical comics and intricate illustrations of urban architecture. Her work frequently deals with themes of illness, family relationships, and observations of city life, particularly in New York. Wertz gained recognition with her comic series "The Fart Party" which was later collected into two volumes by Atomic Books. Her subsequent works include "Drinking at the Movies," "The Infinite Wait & Other Stories," and "Tenements, Towers & Trash: An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City." Her artistic style combines detailed architectural drawings with minimalist character illustrations and sardonic humor. Wertz's work has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's Magazine, and The New York Times, and she has received praise for her precise documentation of urban landscapes and historical buildings. Beyond her published works, Wertz is also known for her photography and documentation of abandoned places, which she explores through urban exploration. She currently resides in Northern California, where she continues to create comics and illustrations while maintaining her focus on architectural and historical subjects.

Readers appreciate Wertz's raw honesty and self-deprecating humor in depicting anxiety, alcoholism, and relationships. Many connect with her frank portrayal of struggling in your 20s and 30s. Her simple, detailed art style and observant documentation of New York City architecture receives frequent mention in reviews. Common praise focuses on her comedic timing and ability to find humor in difficult situations. Readers often describe her work as relatable and unpretentious. Main criticisms cite repetitive themes across books and occasional mean-spirited jokes. Some readers find her self-focused narratives limiting or her artistic style too basic. Ratings averages: Drinking at the Movies: 4.0/5 (Goodreads, 2,800+ ratings) The Infinite Wait: 4.1/5 (Goodreads, 1,900+ ratings) Museum of Mistakes: 4.2/5 (Goodreads, 800+ ratings) Tenements, Towers & Trash: 4.5/5 (Amazon, 100+ ratings) Most frequent descriptor in reviews: "honest"

Drinking at the Movies (2010) A graphic memoir chronicling Wertz's move from San Francisco to New York City, depicting her struggles with alcoholism and adjustment to city life.

The Infinite Wait and Other Stories (2012) Three interconnected graphic narratives covering Wertz's early jobs, her diagnosis with systemic lupus, and her discovery of comics and libraries.

Museum of Mistakes: The Fart Party Collection (2014) A compilation of Wertz's early autobiographical comics from her "Fart Party" series, including previously unpublished material and commentary.

Tenements, Towers & Trash: An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City (2017) A detailed illustration of New York City's past and present, featuring side-by-side drawings of historical locations and their modern counterparts.

Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story (2023) A graphic memoir documenting Wertz's journey through sobriety and recovery, focusing on her time in rehab and subsequent life changes.