Gazeta
Despite breaking a number of rules that I look to when judging an anthology’s merit, Gazeta nonetheless hangs together in remarkable fashion. Continue reading
Kiki de Montparnasse
This graphic novel is ostensibly a straightforward biography of the bawdy loudmouth who would become known as the Queen of 1920s bohemian Montparnasse. Continue reading
Paping Teacher’s Edition
All too often in comics, one reads a potent cultural critique served up in the most conventional, commercially slick style imaginable. Comic shelves are cluttered with “political’” manifestos that employ garish computer type for text, unimaginative drawing and treacly writing. … Continue reading
Xombi #1
Xombi #1 is an object lesson in how modern mainstream comics can be good in almost every way, and still come out unsatisfying. Continue reading
Empire State
When compared against the best moments in what’s considered his breakout work, Bookhunter, Meanwhile read like a victory-lap turned middle-fingers-extended snarl. Continue reading
Love from the Shadows
Reading Love from the Shadows left me annoyed, cranky, baffled, disappointed, and breast-fixated, as has most of Beto’s work in recent years. Continue reading
R.I.P.: Best of 1985-2004
If only the horror stories contained in this best-of anthology by scratchboard-wielding German cartoonist Thomas Ott were half as well considered or painstakingly rendered as the luminous black and white art. Continue reading
