Bertozzi's graphic novel,
The Salon (published by
St. Martin's Press in 2007), examines the creation of
cubism in 1907
Paris in the context of a fictional murder mystery. The work was first serialized online in 2002 on
serializer.net, a digital platform for original weekly comics. A revised excerpt later appeared in
Alternative Comics #2 (2004), which was distributed nationwide as part of
Free Comic Book Day. Shortly afterward, a Georgia comics retailer was arrested after giving away
Alternative Comics #2, in which the excerpt from
The Salon depicted a nude Picasso, leading to charges of distributing obscene material to a minor. The case, supported by the
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, saw most charges eventually dropped or reduced, but it drew national attention as a significant free-expression controversy in the comics industry. Bertozzi illustrated
Houdini: The Handcuff King (published by
Hyperion in 2007), which was written by
Jason Lutes. Bertozzi's art was praised for maintaining "a nice balance between showboating caricature and gritty realism." Bertozzi also published two
webcomics,
Persimmon Cup and
Pecan Sandy, as part of the
ACT-I-VATE comics blog. Bertozzi's first solo graphic novel after
The Salon was
Lewis & Clark (First Second, 2011). The graphic novel was widely praised for its engaging and informative portrayal of the
historic expedition.
The Forward commended the graphic novel as "a great piece of graphic nonfiction and one of the best examples of the genre available to readers today," highlighting Bertozzi's ability to capture the epic journey with wit and aplomb.
Kirkus Reviews lauded the book's innovative approach, noting Bertozzi's masterful command in depicting the explorers' arduous trek through rough terrain and encounters with often unwelcoming natives.
Publishers Weekly described it as "perfect for history buffs," emphasizing Bertozzi's skill in combining history lesson and character study through strong, gripping drawings
Graphic Classroom also recommended it as a "wonderful accompaniment to any classroom unit on exploration and the West," underscoring its educational value. Bertozzi wrote and laid out
Becoming Andy Warhol (2016), a graphic biography illustrated by Pierce Hargan. Rather than covering
Andy Warhol's entire life, the book focuses on his early struggles to move beyond illustration and achieve recognition as a serious artist, including his failed New York gallery efforts and his first solo show in Los Angeles featuring the ''
Campbell's Soup Cans''. Opening with a timeline of Warhol's major life events, the work presents a subjective but well-researched account, told with minimal narration and strong visual pacing. The book's use of a purple
spot color was praised for its resonance with the story's tone, and reviewers such as
Vice highlighted the book as a standout example of the biographical comics form. In 2014, Bertozzi published
Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey, a graphic novel that recounts
Ernest Shackleton's failed but celebrated expedition to the
South Pole. While the crew ultimately survived, the
sled dogs did not, underscoring the harsh realities of Antarctic exploration. The book emphasizes Shackleton's leadership, portraying his devotion to his men as both a weakness and a strength, and presents the journey with brisk pacing reminiscent of mid-20th-century youth history books,(particularly the
Landmark Books series). The work was praised for Bertozzi’s inventive panel layouts, economical storytelling, and stark visual style, which together capture both the brutal environment and the expedition’s collective resilience. His illustration clients include
Nickelodeon Magazine,
Spin,
The New York Times,
New York Press,
Gourmet,
Backstage,
Abercrombie & Fitch, and
WFMU. He teaches cartooning at the
School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. == Awards ==