Graphic Novel(s) Of The Month

This month, time constraints demand shorter reviews, but I assure you this will be to your benefit. Instead of a single in depth review, I'm going to give you 3 short ones. We'll go for quantity over quality (of reviews). This format is in no way a comment on the interhent quality of the books. The were all wonderful and deserving of your attention!

The Five Fists of Science (Image): Matt Fraction and newcomer Steven Sanders offer up a grand adventure starring Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla as they face off against the wealthy JP Morgan, Thomas Edison, Guglielmo Marconi, and Andrew Carnegie. In the tradition of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, it blends history, humor, political intrigue, and retro sci-fi. Grade A-.

Fantastic Four/Iron Man: Big in Japan (Marvel): This book feels blasted to us straight from the 1960's, with it's retro psychedelic flair, tongue in cheek camp, and hip modern meta-commentary on the industry and the art form. A unique work from unique creators that boasts a unique blend of American comic book stars with Eastern settings, references, and pacing. It's not quite Flex Mentallo or Automatic Kafka, but there are certainly 4th wall breaking moments. Grade A-.

De: Tales: Stories From Urban Brazil (Dark Horse): What brothers Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba are able to do here is showcase a series of vignettes that show the lyrical, magical moments that can be found in ordinary life. They ground their tales in their native Brazil, but the stories have a way of transcending their origins and capturing aspects of the human spirit common to us all. They are funny, heartbreaking, mysterious, and can inspire identification with the brothers foibles abroad, and even longing for loved ones. Grade A-.