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


Please Note: All Amazon prices are current the day of the review. Prices may change without notice.

 
Holiday
The Graphic Novel Journal will not be published today in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. It will return to its regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday schedule starting June 2.
posted by Sean McGurr at 11:17 AM

 
Daddy Cool by Donald Goines adapted by Don Glut & Alfredo Alcala
I wish I knew more about the publishing history of Daddy Cool (2003, Holloway House Publishing, Amazon listing), but as it is, I've only been able to piece together parts of the story. Understanding this history can shed a bit of light on the book.

Donald Goines' Daddy Cool was published in 1974 just prior to his murder, execution-style in his own home. An African-American author, Goines was published by Holloway House who distributed his books to non-traditional book sellers in inner cities. He, and fellow Holloway House writer Iceberg Slim (Pimp), were immensely popular for their depiction of urban life and the black experience. Goines has been rediscovered recently as rap stars have noticed his work and incorporated it into their music.

In 1984, a graphic adaptation of Daddy Cool was published by Melrose Square Publishing. Marketed as a "Visual Novel," Daddy Cool was adapted by writer Don Glut and artist Alfredo Alcala. As usual, it seems that the comic industry was on the back end of a trend by just getting around to blaxploitation in the mid-80s. Although I could be wrong since the graphic novel of Daddy Cool seems ahead of its time in its use of language and violence and a presentation of a story about the streets when most publishers were still writing about superheroes. It is closer to underground comix than mainstream comics.

The version referred to here is a reprint of the 1984 graphic adaptation. From what I can tell, the 1984 version was magazine size and 64 pages long. The 2003 reprint cuts up the original pages to fit into a mass-market paperback. Panels are distorted (both larger and smaller) and the flow of reading the pages is broken up by some odd page layouts to make the panels fit. A few panels are repeated and there may be some missing.

Despite that, the book remains a good read, if a bit simplistic and stereotypical. Larry Jackson is Daddy Cool, a killer for hire who prefers to do his jobs using hand-made knives. Despite his icy demeanor, the one thing that warms his heart is his daughter. Unfortunately, she is being seduced by a no-good young man named Ronald. Although Jackson warns her about his intentions, she doesn't listen and Ronald eventually starts pimping her out. As expected, Daddy Cool doesn't take this well and a series of events, mostly violent, occurs.

Alcala's art is beautiful although the reproduction doesn't always do it justice. The book itself seems a bit dated in its language and style, but the story holds up despite this. Plus, the frank depiction of sex and language is to be respected, especially in a book of its time. It is a book that could be redone today and be a best-seller with the right approach.

Daddy Cool 2.5 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:28 AM

 
Roach Killer by Jacques Tardi
To preface this review, I must note that 16 pages of the 48 page story were missing, but 16 other pages were repeated. Having said that, I'm not sure if reading those pages would have clarified any of Roach Killer (1992, NBM Publishing, Amazon listing). Jacques Tardi's art carries the narrative, but reading Benjamin Legrand's words is a bit of a mind trip.

Malcolm is an exterminator who while on a job notices that there is a 13th floor on a New York highrise. Knowing that most buildings don't have a 13th floor he checks it out, only to overhear some men discussing murders. He is found out and followed setting the stage for a paranoid thriller. Malcolm is saved at one point by a colleague, Luis. But is Luis working for the murderers, or does he have his own agenda. I don't want to spoil it for you and fortunately I can't because it is never made clear. However, there is some gun play and at the end it becomes a bit like The Manchurian Candidate. Of course, the roaches and the paranoia recall Franz Kafka.

Tardi's art captures the urban squalor of New York City (pre-Guiliani) with impeccable detail. The art is all black and white except for Malcolm's red work uniform which sticks out despite the fact that he is a nobody in the larger scheme of things. In an epilogue to the story, Tardi places the cartoon Malcolm against actual pictures of NYC and it is to Tardi's credit that it is hard to tell the difference between his drawings and actual pictures of the city. Unfortunately, the story (and the two creator's rambling essays which read like a conspiracy theorist's rants) don't warrant the art.

Roach Killer 2 stars (out of 5)

posted by Sean McGurr at 8:11 AM

 
Y: The Last Man - One Small Step by Brian K. Vaughan
I've made no secret of how much I enjoy this series (see my December 1, 2003 review of Volume 2) and with each book I'm getting closer and closer to picking it up in its comic form every month. The only thing stopping me is that the books are such quick reads, I'd be disappointed to only read 22 pages at a time. Y: The Last Man - One Small Step (2004, DC Comics, Amazon listing), the third volume, is another fast-paced story that I zipped through in a hour. It deftly wraps up some plot points while introducing others and whetting your appetite for more.

Yorick, the last man on Earth, continues his journey across America with Agent 355 and Dr. Mann. The group learns from a Russian operative that three astronauts (including two men) are going to attempt to leave the space station and return to Earth. They quickly realize the importance of this action and race to Kansas to meet them. Unbeknownst to them, someone in the American government has sent a special Israel military squad to pursue Yorick. By the end of the story arc, the astronaut story has been resolved to some extent as the group gains a new member as they head to California. The Israelis are dealt with and new angles are revealed.

Brian K. Vaughan continues to write a tight story that explores what a world full of women and only one man would be like. There is plenty of action, sharp dialogue and like the best thrillers, always a reason to keep turning the page. At times he can get a bit over-the-top, as he does in the final two chapters which move the focus away from the main characters and to a travelling troupe of actors who put on a play about the last man on Earth. Ably illustrated by Paul Chadwick (of Concrete fame), the story tends to beat you over the head in a way that Vaughan usually avoids in the other stories.

Y: The Last Man - One Small Step 4 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:32 AM

 
Pretenders by Itzik Rennert
Pretenders (2001, Actus Tragicus) is the fifth and final book in the Actus Box Series that I've reviewed over the past couple of weeks. Itzik Rennert illustrates two stories in this volume. Like the other creators in the group, Rennert has a style that is rarely seen in American comics. While this might not appeal to all readers, the different color palette used and the odd depiction of people is a welcome change from much graphic literature.

The title story (making up most of the book) is about a down on his luck cab driver who hooks up with a business woman who works at a scientific facility. The woman gives the cab driver a chance to work on his paintings, but when he is unable to paint and she becomes suspicious of him riding around in his cab all the time, it sets of a chain of events involving a murder, a cover-up, and a clone. If Rennert had an extra few pages, he might have been able to make this story a bit clearer. As is, it is a good story, but leaves the reader with some questions about the plot.

The second story, "Personal Involvement," follows another chain of events again with science, in the form of plastic surgery playing a part. It takes a strange meta-twist when we step out of the story and begin reading about the artist of the story. The artist becomes a part of the story although in a unique way.

I've said it elsewhere in these reviews, but it is worth repeating: these books are worth picking up because of their originality. They don't always work, but as a whole, it is easy to respect the work that the members of Actus Tragicus do and the manner in which they do it.

Pretenders 2.5 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:32 AM

 
The Bloody Streets of Paris by Jacques Tardi
Based on a detective story by Leo Malet, The Bloody Streets of Paris (2003, iBooks, Amazon listing) is an old-school detective tale. Not quite noir, but filled with hard-boiled action, plenty of suspects and a great lead character, the book should appeal to fans of Raymond Chandler or Ross McDonald.

Set during the occupation of France by Germany in WWII, the story revolves around Nestor Burma, the owner and proprietor of the Fiat Lux Detective Agency, who has just been released from a German prison camp where he has met some strange characters including an amnesiac, a doctor, and a braggart. On his way back to Paris, Burma runs into a partner of his at a train station. He has something important to tell him, but all he can get out before he is shot is an address, the same address spoken by the amnesiac before his death. Feeling an obligation to the dead men, Burma undertakes the task of discovering the mystery behind their last words.

Just as interesting as the mystery is the setting of occupied Paris. There is a sense of oppression throughout the book that isn't spoken to directly by the characters, but rather hinted at through their actions and deeds. Burma can only travel so many places freely, acquire certain types of alcohol, and must always keep an eye out for the Gestapo.

Jacques Tardi does a good job of adapting Malet's book. It doesn't seem choppy, nor does it seem like it wasn't written for a graphic adaptation. Tardi's art is notably European and while I'm a fan of black and white comics, it could have used some color. The oversized pages allow Tardi to add detail.

The book read like a novel as well. This isn't a book to sit down and read in a single night. It took a few sittings. It is a dense read with a large cast. As such, it can be a bit confusing but that makes it stand out from the easy reads you find on the shelf.

The Bloody Streets of Paris 4 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 9:35 AM

 
We Are Seven by Batia Kolton
I was able to find two more books published by Actus Tragicus in our library. I'll review one today and the other later this week. We Are Seven (2001, Actus Tragicus) by Batia Kolton is probably my least favorite so far. Another issue in the Actus Box Series (I'm thinking our library got this series but none of the rest), it, like the others, is unique, but this time it didn't hold my interest.

Batia Kolton has a distinctive painted art style that she uses to adapt three lyrical pieces. The title pieces is a poem by William Wordsworth. Using earth-tones and giving the panels a flatness, Kolton illustrates the poem like a family album with pictures of the seven children in a family. At times, the pictures seem oddly emotionless and distant which accentuates the creepy aspects of the poem. I'm not sure if this was the intent though.

"Danny Boy," the Irish folk song, looks to be drawn on a strange canvas-like material. I wasn't sure how the illustrations (a bizarre mixture of people at work and play) meshed with the text. The final piece is "He's the Greatest Dancer," a pop song by Sister Sledge. It makes a bit more sense by actually showing dancing people (although with some odd sexual imagery)> Again, Kolton's art is two-dimensional and intentionally flat. Like "Danny Boy," these illustrations are on a noticeably textured material.

I don't mind when art is difficult, but it would have been nice to have a clue on where Kolton was going with these pieces. They are pretty to look at, but as a graphic narrative, I don't think they get their message across.

We Are Seven 2 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:57 AM

 
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vols. 1 & 2 by Alan Moore
A question I've been asked about this blog is "Wow, how can you afford to buy all those graphic novels?" The answer is "I can't." I get a few dollars from Amazon when someone buys something from them after coming through this blog and I usually spend that money on graphic novels. But for the most part, I depend on the excellent resources of my local library, the Columbus Metropolitan Library system. They have an outstanding collection (found in the 741 section using the Dewey Decimal system) and are continually adding to it. The downside is that I often have to wait weeks or months until a) the library gets the book and b) I make it to the top of the waiting list. Maybe someday this blog will be popular enough that publishers will send me their new books prior to the release date. Until then, you may get slightly dated reviews.

Such is the case with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Although I read Volume 1 (2000, America's Best Comics, Amazon listing) a few years ago, I figured I'd give it another read before diving in to Volume 2 (2003, America's Best Comics, Amazon listing). Everyone is probably aware of Alan Moore's Victorian super team, but as a quick recap: when England faces times of crisis, the British Intelligence gathers adventures to protect it. As the nineteenth century draws to a close, a danger approaches and Mina Murray (who may have had dealings with vampires, Allan Quatermain, Dr. Jekyll, the Invisible Man, and Captain Nemo are brought together to defeat it. (Notice that Dorian Grey and Tom Sawyer are not on this list.)

The first volume introduces the characters and sends them to obtain a stolen cavorite, an anti-gravity material that could be used against the British Empire. In the second volume, the League is asked to help defend against invading Martians (a la The War of the Worlds).

Moore's books, unlike the movie, is quite intelligent. While the adventurous plot seems a bit simple, Moore adds twists, surprises and rewards a close reader with in-jokes and literary history. On top of which Kevin O'Neill's art is brilliant. The backgrounds are so detailed that they require as close of a reading as Moore's text. Unfortunately, by the end of book two, Moore leaves little room for the team to get back together. After a betrayal by one member and the death of another, things look grim. Fortunately, as long as there are characters in the public domain, there is the potential for another League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vols. 1 & 2 4.5 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:28 AM

 
Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 8: Cats and Kings by Brian Michael Bendis
I've made no secret of my love-hate relationship with this series (see my April 19, 2004 review). Yet once I pick it up, I can't seem to put it down. It happened again with Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 8: Cats and Kings (2004, Marvel Comics, Amazon listing) which I breezed through while watching a baseball game.

One of my least favorite characters from Spidey's normal continuity, the Black Cat, is introduced Ultimate-style. Like the original character, the Black Cat is a thief with luck-altering powers: bad things happen to those around her allowing her to escape. She is also attracted to Spider-Man and, despite his better judgment, he is intrigued by her. Peter is, once again, having problems with Mary Jane and the Cat is a welcome distraction.

Beyond the lady problems, Spidey is also having problems with the Kingpin who has recently escaped a murder charge, despite being caught on video tape. Kingpin is backing a candidate for district attorney who is running on an anti-Spider-Man platform. Furthermore, Peter's employer, J. Jonah Jameson editor of the Daily Bugle, is endorsing the candidate and fires Peter when he questions his decision.

Brian Michael Bendis has again spun a good story. The addition of Elektra seems unnecessary and as the series moves further along, I'm starting to dislike the direction some of the characters are taking. Peter and MJ are a bit to lovie for my tastes. The Kingpin seemed a joke and not nearly as scary of a character as he should be. However, Bendis did do a good job of showing the contradictions of Jameson and his reasons for hating Spidey.

Mark Bagley's art is at its cartoonyest. All of his characters look a bit young. Elektra should have more of an edge and the staff at the Daily Bugle should be skewed older. But for this glossy book appealing to kids is key and it all seems to work

Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 8: Cats and Kings 3.5 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:45 AM

 
Crumpet Ladies by Yirmi Pinkus
Yet another book from the folks at Actus Tragicus, but one that might be the best of the bunch. Yirmi Pinkus' Crumpet Ladies (2001, Actus Tragicus) is a small collection of short stories and anecdotes that revolve around old ladies.

There are fanciful stories, memoirs, instruction manuals, third and first-person narratives and one ongoing narrative that is interspersed throughout the book. Pinkus has a strong voice and his art style (slightly changed for each story) is flexible yet distinctive.

While the odd integration of stories, they start and end at odd points or are interwoven throughout the book, is a bit perplexing at first, the theme of older women and their lives keeps the book together. A second read reveals an even greater depth to the book. These books are hard to come by, but are worth checking out if you have a chance.

Crumpet Ladies 4 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:47 AM

 
Barney and the Blue Note by Loustal-Paringaux
In the previous review, I mentioned how a book that introduced a new subject to me was always welcome, despite any other flaws it might have. On the other hand, a book with some editorial misses along with a tired subject can quickly become tiresome. Unfortunately, Barney and the Blue Note (1988, Fantagraphics Books, Amazon listing) is such a book.

I had high expectations for the book. A over-sized European comic from the late-80s about jazz, Barney and the Blue Note looked to have a smart story and good art. Upon reading it though, I realized that it is a trite story that falls on the cliches about jazz artists: they are loners, lotharios, and self-destructive drug users. And with art that looks unfinished and an inconsistent narrative voice that muddles the story, the books isn't able to maintain any momentum to overcome the plot.

For a more interesting graphical take on jazz musicians and drug use, read Steve Lafler's Bughouse (reviewed January 16, 2003) in which the characters are all insects.

Barney and the Blue Note 2 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 8:41 AM

 
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

 
Julius Knipl Real Estate Photographer by Ben Katchor
Ben Katchor's Julius Knipl Real Estate Photographer (1996, Little, Brown & Co., Amazon listing) is a most bizarre read. Set up like a comic strip, usually with eight panels (two rows of four), Katchor invokes a nostalgia and remenisence for a city, a time, events, products, and people that never existed.

The stories are loosely formed around Julius Knipl, but the character doesn't always appear. He is there to give Katchor a way of moving about a city which isn't named, but is obviously New York. There is a Jewish sensibility to the stories as Knipl, and Katchor, explore ethnic neighborhoods. What is most amazing is the eye for detail. Everyday events that are overlooked by most people are brought to life and made into compelling stories. More impressive is how Katchor makes things feel familiar even though there is no reference to its existence. It is these unknown stories, little details, and overlooked portions of the city that make the book such fascinating reading.

He does this through his grey art that puts the reader on the streets of a city in the past, even if the time is current. The use of product names that remind you of other products and seem so familiar that they could be real is impeccable. It is truly magnificient and yet utterly strange as it barely makes sense. This edition is prefaced by an essay by Michael Chabon (far before his Kavalier and Clay days) that explains it much better than I could.

Julius Knipl Real Estate Photographer 4 stars (out of 5)
posted by Sean McGurr at 9:46 AM