WRECKAGE BEGINS WITH "W"

Political cartoonist Danziger contributes to the cottage industry of books on the Dubya Years with this collection of strips from January 20, 2000, to March 2004, giving a stinging and graphically startling look at recent events. Along with the usual topics—the 2000 election, the horror of 9/11 and the relentless march to war—Danziger also examines such byways of history as Vladimir Putin's strong-arm tactics, Senate legislative activities and what he sees as the continuing excesses of Hill and Bill. While he saves most of his barbs for the right, Danziger takes aim at venal pettiness on both sides of the political fence. Although not a master of caricature, he excels at stark imagery and bold composition that recalls past masters Bill Mauldin and Herblock. For instance, he captures the current Clintons in a powerful image of Bill shooting up with a needle labeled "Sex" and Hillary using one tagged "Ambition." Text beneath each cartoon sometimes gives historical context and sometimes explains the joke. Danziger, a Vietnam vet, aims his most powerful weapons at the politicians who send young people off to war, and current events have provided him ample fodder. (July)