Igor Kenk, notorious Toronto bike thief, is now the subject of a graphic novel "Kenk: A Graphic Portrait" by Richard Poplak, Jason Gilmore, Nick Marinkovich, Shahid Quadri, and Alex Jansen, produced and published by Pop Sandbox. The book uses photographs of Kenk as well as stills from film taken by Jason Gilmore and Alex Jansen prior to his arrest that were originally slated for a documentary.
The book is described by its publisher as "a ground-breaking 304-page journalistic comic book" detailing the life and times of Igor Kenk, “the world’s most prolific bicycle thief…KENK is a thought-provoking and surprisingly funny portrait of an outsize neighbourhood figure and a city in flux".
While the book is receiving critical accolades, some resent that Kenk is receiving positive attention. Kenk is still despised by many for helping to disappear nearly 3 000 bicycles over the years, and some people are upset that Kenk is poised to become, or perhaps has already become "some kind of counterculture hero" as
reviewers of the book are stating.
Nonetheless, I will definitely be rading this book. Kenk's story is riveting and he is a fascinating character, he is probably one of Toronto's most (in)famous and internationally recognized people. Kenk's life could probably accommodate several more books and films, and his story is far from over.
Kenk is currently fighting the court's decision to donate the unclaimed stolen bicycles to at-risk youth in Toronto, Thunder Bay, and North Spirit Lake. While the bikes are supposed to be refurbished by the youth as a learning experience before being taken home, Kenk argues that the bikes, which admittedly are in a state of serious disrepair, are not fixable by anyone but himself, and that they are not stolen. "The bikes will not be fit and there's nothing to make them fit. They're dreaming. These 2, 000 bikes are going to be thrown out to poor kids, unsafe, and it's not going to be good at all" he says. Despite his doubts Kenk has offered his services to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre to help out with the repairs.
I listened to the author and the illustrator when they were interviewed on CBC'c Q last week. It looks like a very fascinating story. From what the authors explained, Igor was quite the charismatic person. The entire story has an almost "Fight Club" esque feel to it. It seems like people were really admired his philosophy and lifestyle - because it was so strange. I think I'll give this read too.
The excellent graphic adaptation of Kenk's story proves how easily it could be translated to film.
Igor Kenk is certainly an enigmatic character, with surprisingly strong and Humanitarian views on Sustainable Society...I've been laying some groundwork for a more realistic view of the man at:
KenksKarma.com
I was also at the book launch party for "Kenk:A Graphic Novel" adn got to speak with Igor and snap a few pics...If you're curious about my quick review of the event you can check it out at:
ThumbShift.com
Just
Sayin
Jo
loved the book. recommend it.
i dont feel as though kenk belongs in our prison system.
he could continue the community service hes been serving already for the last 20 years.