ERIC GLICKMAN TALKS CAMP POCK-A-WOCKNEE

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Combining the nostalgic mood of The Wonder Years, the raucousness of Superbad, and the adolescent angst of Pen15, this 300-page graphic novel juxtaposes classic, black and white, comic strip art with stories that capture the tension created when the innocence of childhood crashes into the messiness of adolescence.

Eric Glickman is part of his family’s three generations that all went to the same Jewish sleepaway camp. Following in his parents’ footsteps, Eric spent 10 summers there as a camper, waiter, and counselor. Later, his three children also went there for many summers. In this interview, Glickman discusses CAMP POCK-A-WOCKNEE AND THE DYNOMITE SUMMER OF ’77.

DIAMOND: What is CAMP POCK-A-WOCKNEE AND THE DYNOMITE SUMMER OF ’77?

ERIC GLICKMAN: Camp Pock-a-Wocknee and the DYN-O-MITE Summer of ’77 is a 300-page coming-of-age graphic novel a celebrating all of the magic, memories, and mishegas that make up summers at Jewish sleepaway camp. Mashing up a nostalgic mood similar to The Wonder Years with the teenage rambunctiousness of a Superbad, Camp Pock-a-Wocknee combines cute, black & white, comic strip-style art with an R-rated story to capture the tension created when the innocence of childhood crashes into the messiness of adolescence. 

How did this graphic novel come about as a project?

I am one of three generations that all went to the same Jewish sleepaway camp in Pennsylvania – my parents met there, my brothers and I went there, and all three of my kids went there. I went to camp for ten summers (5 as a camper, 2 as a waiter, and 3 as a counselor) and like many Jewish kids, I had some of the most memorable times of my life there. I really wanted to create a story based on those amazing memories. I worked for 8 years, writing, drawing, rewriting, redrawing and eventually inking the story of a dorky 15-year-old boy who wants to hang out with his best friends, and find a girlfriend, fall in love, and maybe, finally get to 2nd base. Andrew Benteau at Black Panel Press loved my art and my story… and the rest is history!

Tell us about Jewish sleepaway camp. Why set the story there?

Jewish sleepaway camp has all so many fantastic elements for a coming-of-age story: living in a cabin with your best friends, the ever-present possibility of a summer romance, quirky adult characters, time-honored traditions, myths & legends, and tons of activities. When I went to camp, the 8 weeks always felt like it had this great dramatic arc to them – almost like we were in a movie. And because Jewish sleepawy camp is this unique, insular world, I felt like I could share a story that was nostalgic and timeless at the same time.

Is this the first creator-owned book for you?

Yes.

Is this a kids book?

Well, I put a little burst on the cover that says “WARNING! This is NOT a book for kids”

Looking forward, what can readers expect from CAMP POCK-A-WOCKNEE AND THE DYNOMITE SUMMER OF ’77?

Right now, I just want to share this story with as many people as possible. But who knows, maybe I’ll create a sequel –  Camp Pock-a-Wocknee: The Waiter Years

In terms of audience, who is this book for?

Obviously, it is for anyone who ever went to Jewish sleepaway camp. But honestly, I think this book is for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories, the 70s, needs a good laugh, or was ever 15-years-old.