Reviews of graphic novels and comic book collections every Tuesday and Thursday.


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Royal Sable by Mira Friedmann
It's often a pleasure when you read about something you've never read about before. Then, despite any misgivings you may have about the craft, you are pleased to have learned something new along the way or at least can respect the originality of the artist. Royal Sable (2001, Actus Tragicus) by Mira Friedmann is such a book.

Friedmann is another member of Actus Tragicus (the group described in this review on April 30th) and Royal Sable is part of the Actus Box Series. Herman and his sister, Mitzi, are refugees in Iran having escaped Czechoslovakia shortly after the Germans invaded Germany. Based on a chance encounter with Sergei Eisenstein, Mitzi is convinced that he will put her in one of his films. Herman, a tailor, is slightly more realistic about Mitzi's chances, and his own skills at his trade. He ends up with the opportunity to create a fur coat for the Shah's wife. Both Herman and Mitzi have similar dreams, to be successful artists, but their approach causes them both sorrow in the end.

It is a short story that reads a bit too fast. It would have been nice to spend more time with the characters, but even with the 30 pages of the book, Friedmann is able to tell her story. Her art is colorful in a muted sort of way. The palette and the art are as unique as the book. A second reading bumped up my rating for this book.

Royal Sable 3.5 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 9:06 AM