CAMP POCK-A-WOCKNEE AND THE DYNOMITE SUMMER OF '77
written and illustrated by Eric Glickman
A teen at a Jewish sleepaway camp relishes a summer of adventure and raging hormones in Glickman’s debut graphic novel.
It’s June 1977, and 15-year-old Eric Glickman is finally an “oldest senior” at Camp Pock-a-Wocknee. This status affords him and his friends in Bunk 19 certain privileges, including a slightly later curfew. Most of the boys have their eyes on the girl campers, and it’s not long before Eric notices a curly-haired girl named Amy. The freedom at camp allows Eric to enjoy idyllic outings and indulge in antics with his pals, but he makes time for smart and funny Amy, who he hopes likes him, too. Getting her alone, however, may not be possible, not with the so-called Man in the Poncho hanging around camp. As Eric is the only one to repeatedly see this legendary figure, he has to wonder: Is he simply paranoid or in actual peril? Author and illustrator Glickman’s charming, nostalgic slice of adolescence includes such welcome touches as sprightly footnotes for the copious pop-culture references and specific details of the various meals and snacks the youngsters devour. There’s also unabashed toilet humor (sometimes literal), along with sex jokes, casual profanity, and occasional (male) nudity. Eric makes for a winsome protagonist who feels more like himself at camp than he does at school, where there aren’t many other Jewish kids like him. And while scoring is a priority for some, Eric clearly wants to get to know Amy and isn’t overly concerned with what base, if any, he’s on. Glickman’s bold black-and-white artwork comically exaggerates features and shines brightest when animating what’s in Eric’s head, as when the boys, hopped up on sugary cereals, ride metaphorical “sugar beasts,” and a post-kiss Eric transforms into a caped superhero.
Adolescent romance and mischief animate an endearing, gleefully raunchy coming-of-age tale.