The Cartoonists' Club

Lucky Luke 36: The Daltons Redeem Themselves

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:23:21 +0100

By Morris and Goscinny
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181327

The Daltons are to Lucky Luke what the Joker is to Batman, the Daleks are to Dr Who, and Lucy Van Pelt is to Charlie Brown; the inevitable recurring nemesis that plagues the hero but without which would leave them a little less interesting. We've had several Daltons stories so far in this thirty-six volume run, but Morris and Goscinny keep them fresh by spinning out the possibilities as they suffer the consequences of their actions. In this story Lucky Luke has been called to Washington for a meeting with the Supreme Court where one of the Senators has drafted a bill to reform criminals and wishes to try it out on some villains before presenting the bill to the House. This means they want Lucky Luke's advice on the worst desperadoes out there, which naturally means the Daltons, and they want Luke to supervise them on their month's parole. Should they stay clean throughout that month then they win their freedom.

For the Dalton's part, they see this as a way to get back at Lucky Luke. Although they must not commit a crime for one calendar month else run the risk of being returned straight to prison without trial, they figure that if they can get through the month then they can pick Luke off afterwards and no court would ever dare convict them again.

Luke takes them to Tortilla Gulch for their probation month but unfortunately all the townsfolk think the Dalton's have escaped and everytime they try to enter into any form of transaction the shopkeepers hand over the till and pass out. Luke intervenes only for the townsfolk to presume he's in cahoots, and by the time they get the major involved the town think he's joined the bad guys too. Eventually they settle this misunderstanding, but what follows is an increasingly infuriating situation whereby the Dalton's find themselves assisting Luke, taking part in polite society, and being viewed as friends and neighbours, much to the chagrin of Joe Dalton. Things come to a head when four men decide to take advantage of the Dalton's predicament and begin to impersonate them to carry out various crimes, figuring the Dalton's will take the blame and find themselves thrown back in to jail. The only way to right this wrong is for the four Dalton's to assist the Law.

This tale cleverly turns the Daltons' lives on their heads and wrings much humour from it in the process. From the bamboozlement of the town's people to the bafflement of Averell Dalton, this adventure is packed full of gags - as you'd expect. The fact that the Dalton's come so close to having a settled, worthwhile life utterly escapes them, but then again where would the fun have been in that.

And if you liked that: Try an Iznogoud, also by Goscinny from Cinebook

[Lucky Luke: Daltons Redeem Themselves Vol. 36] [by: Goscinny] (Book)

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Author: Goscinny

Published: 2012-11-16

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Superior

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:21:04 +0100

By Millar & Yu
Publisher: Marvel
ISBN: 9780785153177

Mark Millar's now synonymous with injecting comics with a fresh approach, spinning stories beyond the repeated cliches and offering the reader something that reflects a more mature readership. So it won't come as much of a surprise to learn that Superior is Millar's take on the Superman mythos, although rather than set it in a world dominated by heroes in capes, it all takes place in one dominated by movies about heroes in capes. It's interesting that the skew is on the movies, not the comics, and is probably typical of Millar writing with one eye on the movie rights - and why not, as the stories are none the worse for it.

So in the story Superior is a character now featuring in a fifth motion picture and enjoyed in particular by a boy, Simon, with multiple sclerosis. The MS has serious consequences on his life, not least from a bunch of idiot contemporaries at school who see him as an easy target. Then one day, he's visited by a strange talking monkey in an astronaut suit that offers to grant him a wish that sees Simon transformed into a real-life Superior and a promise that all will be explained in one week.

What follows is Simon doing what all good superheroes should do - saving the helpless, righting wrongs and catching bad guys. His sudden appearance on the world stage makes him an instant hit with the public and a worthy wielder of the powers he possesses. Little consideration is given to what will happen at the end of the week, and when the monkey reappears the resulting exchange is a shocker.

It's a little difficult for me to say any more without giving away the twist, but suffice to say it's a clever one, although it does head down a route I am utterly tired of in books, comics and movies, but that could well just be me. To be fair, I'm not sure it could have worked in any other way other than perhaps a John Constantine story. But credit where it's due; it's well paced, well executed and the exploration of a child actually granted the powers they've wished for is enjoyably done. One of the nice touches comes in the form of the befuddled actor who plays Superior on screen and whose likeness is what Simon has transformed into.

Leinil Yu's artwork has the mature, realistic quality that helps suggest this is taking place slightly outside of the everyday world of comic book superheroes, and his rendering of Superior is so good that he stands on his own as a character rather than another Superman knock-off.

Overall, I don't think this is Millar's best work, but it's an original take on a genre bloated on repetition that, no doubt, will find it's way to cinemas in the near future.

And if you liked that: Mark Millar's arguably superior (ahem) Kick Ass 2 is available in paperback now

Superior (Book)

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Author: Leinil Francis Yu

Publisher: Titan Books

Published: 2013-03-26

Number of pages: 200

ISBN: 0857685953

Price: £14.99

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The Bluecoats Vol 6: Bronco Benny

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:15:29 +0100

By Lambil & Cauvin
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181464

The Union Army isn't doing so well, what with depleted numbers and next to no horses for the cavalry. A battle is looming so Sarge and Blutch are given the task to purchase new mounts (using the delayed pay of the soldiers in the hopes that some of it won't be needed after the battle, if you see what I mean). It's by no means an easy journey for the pair, but their task is made somewhat easier by the assistance of a legendary trainer of horses known as Bronco Benny.

Their path to the horse breeders in the mountains crosses rebel outposts, a dangerous feat in itself, but once past that they then have to contend with the Native Americans who appear rather displeased to see them. By the skin of their teeth they make it to the breeders and find they're in luck - they have a stockade full of horses. However, on of them is a white stallion held in high regards by the Native Americans, hence the local antagonism. When Bronco Benny sets his eyes upon the horse, though, he's captivated by it and determined to break it in. Meanwhile the Native Americans are busy blocking the only pass through the mountains, meaning Blutch and Sarge may well be trapped with their new mounts, but that turns out to be the least of their problems.

There are some lovely comic touches here, including the replacement mounts supplied by train that number three donkeys, a camel and a horse seconds away from expiring, but the most enjoyable part is watching Bronco Benny try to break the stallion - beautifully done. As with other Bluecoats books, the nastier parts of war aren't ducked away from, and although they don't dwell on them, they're mentioned often enough to bring an undercurrent of realism to the comic tale and remind the reader the seriousness of this period in history.

I've a growing fondness for Willy Lambil's artwork too. He's got a wonderful cartoon style with just the right mixture of humour, fluidity and detail. If your cartoon diet hasn't got as far as the Bluecoats yet then you deserve to discover it for yourself.

And if you liked that: Vol 7 will be out soon

Bluecoats The, Vol.6 (Bronco Benny) (Book)

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Author: Willy Lambil

Publisher: CINEBOOK

Published: 2013-01-10

Number of pages: 48

ISBN: 1849181462

Price: £6.99

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Cartoons & Comic Strips

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:26:02 +0100

By Terry Bave
Publisher: Terry Bave
ISBN: 5800090803919

Im of the right age to have grown up reading the likes of Whizzer & Chips, Whoopee and Buster, enjoying the antics of Odd-Ball, the Slimms and Sammy Shrink. Any trip to the newsagent resulted in hopeful glances to the comic rack and no holiday was complete without a bumper summer special of cartoon antics, nor Christmas without a thick hardback annual. I didnt know it then, but many of those pages were drawn by the incredible Terry Bave.

And he didnt just draw. With the help of his wife, Sheila, Terry was responsible for creating and writing many of the strips across a golden age of childrens comics. Hes now collated a life-time of personal cartooning history into a jam-packed 300 page volume of memories, characters, strips and gags. Its quite a formidable work, even including a lengthy list of contributions to books and comics as well as all the characters he and Sheila created.

It comes across again and again that Terrys primary motivation was the entertainment of children. This was so much more than a job, and his love for creating quirky cartoons and fun-packed strips is there to see in every panel.

In places its a somewhat melancholy read as Terry records the rise and fall of childrens comics in Britain, but despite the mergers and folding of titles his enthusiasm never seems to be dented as a new opportunity was always presenting itself.

On a personal level, this book is rich in memories. I remember picking up the first issue of Wow! in a newsagent one day and I became a loyal fan for its entire run. I loved Wow! and in my head its a huge part of my childhood, and yet I learn from Terry that it lasted just a year! In fact, Terry covers its entire history in just three brief paragraphs!

Its a book incredibly rich in nostalgia and full of passion for the medium. Anyone who has ever been touched by the fun that titles such as Whizzer & Chips and Cor! could bring will get so much joy from every page. You really cant help but be touched by Terrys vibrant enthusiasm for what he was doing and who he was doing it for. There are several generations of people whove had a richer childhood because he put pen to paper, and I firmly count myself among them.

How to get your copy: Follow the link to Lulu.com

Lakes International Comic Festival

nospam@example.com (Ron McGeary) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:29:54 +0100

Tickets for the first Lakes International Comic Art Festival have gone on sale.

The festival will run from 18-20 October 2013 in Kendal, Cumbria, with an exciting line up of more than 50 writers and artists including some of the biggest names in comic art from the United States, Europe, South America and the UK.

The range of guests highlights the diversity of comics, including biography, political cartoons, comics journalism, satire, superhero comics, comedy, adaptations of historical novels and innovative new story-telling. The eclectic guest list includes festival patrons Bryan and Mary Talbot, Steve Bell, Jo Sacco, Charlie Adlard, David Lloyd, Gilbert Shelton, Hunt Emerson, Carlos Ezquerra, Posy Simmonds, Simon Thorp and Graham Dury. There will be more than 35 events including panel discussions, interviews, live drawing events, films and workshops. As well as the ticketed events, there will be a number of free exhibitions and activities in a special Family Zone.

The Comics Clock Tower will be the festivals version of the marketplace. Based in Kendal Town Hall, it will champion breaking talent from all styles and genres. Many of the big name writers and artists visiting the festival will also be appearing in the Comics Clock Tower over the weekend.

The organisers also aim to make the whole of Kendal part of the event, like the popular festivals on the continent in places such as Angouleme, so people can expect to find comic art around every corner!

More details about the new event are available at www.comicartfestival.com. It is also possible to keep up to date with plans for the festival by following @comicartfest on Twitter or by liking the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Facebook page.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.breweryarts.co.uk or by phoning 01539 725133.

Antares Episode 3

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Sun, 12 May 2013 11:55:52 +0100

By Leo
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181501

The Worlds of Aldebaran books explore the difficulties we might encounter when we reach the point to be able to colonise distant planets. This isn't a series about intergalactic space battles or the struggle between good and evil but is rather about human endurance and survival in the face of the unknown.

For me, it's a beautifully crafted set of worlds populated by odd and often dangerous native creatures that we are ill-prepared to deal with. The scale, the detail and the difficulties they present remind me of the way Ray Harryhausen would present his fantastical beasts, by which I mean Leo gives you the opportunity to be fascinated by them and wonder what course of evolution could create such an animal. And there's plenty of weird and wonderful creatures on offer in this volume.

Following the crash, Kim, her daughter, and the other survivors are stranded on the far side of the new and mysterious planet and are now attempting the long and difficult trek back to base camp using a large truck-like vehicle. The journey promises to be months, and supplies are slow, they have injured on board, and it's cramped. However, by following the beach they're not having to contend with the dense and dangerous rainforest.

They soon come across an enormous tree-like structure poking up through the sand, but instead of a dense head of foliage at its top there appears to be an enormous translucent egg with a giant reptilian embryo inside. It's a curious sight and warrants a look, but this only ends with an antagonised parent almost ending their journey right there. The jolt their vehicle takes in the escape means they need to stop again shortly afterwards, which they use as an opportunity to tend to the wounded and search for food, neither of which go to plan, but do reveal some secrets about the stowaways.

Amongst all the worries, personal anxieties rear their heads too, with Kim's relationship with Mark threatened, first by the attention paid to Kim by the doctor, and later by Mai Lan's forwardness with Mark. This aspect of the story, amongst all their other trials and tribulations, is handled well and reminds you of the humans fragile state and emotional needs under such pressure.

Eventually Kim takes two of the others up a river to seek out food only to discover a strange pink foliage eating away at the jungle and yet more bizarre creatures (including one fabulous skeleton), but it's what happens on her return that really shakes up the entire party.

There's very little out there that comes close to touching Leo's work for it's imagination and execution. It's a shame that the detail and thought that goes into it almost means the books don't come out as often as you'd hope, but perhaps if they were created faster they'd lose some of their splendour. This is a completely original series and, for my money, one of the reads out there today.

And if you liked that: Episode 4 is on the horizon

Antares Vol.3: Episode 3 (Book)

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Author: Leo

Publisher: CINEBOOK

Published: 2013-03-07

Number of pages: 48

ISBN: 1849181500

Price: £6.99

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The Art of Illustration

nospam@example.com (Ron McGeary) — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:58:59 +0100

The Art of Illustration
Chris Beetles Gallery - 18 May until 22 June 2013. Monday - Saturday, 10.00am - 5.30pm.

As a result of the success and popularity of their long-standing annual winter exhibition, The Illustrators: The British Art of Illustration from November to January, the Chris Beetles Gallery will now mount an additional summer show of similar range and quality.

Already known as the most significant event worldwide for this area of interest, the new biannual exhibition will continue to present a wealth of British cartoons and illustrations, both classic and contemporary.

Alongside such favourite artists as William Heath Robinson, Ernest Howard Shepard, Ronald Searle, and Mabel Lucie Attwell , the exhibition will include major examples from the golden age of illustration, including a beautiful Richard Doyle, the first great artist in the fairy genre, and a quintessential watercolour by Arthur Rackham of the Rhinemaidens and Siegfried, produced for his masterly edition of Richard Wagners The Ring. The tradition continues with an exquisite group of Margaret Tarrant's fairyland.

The exhibition will also provide a further opportunity to view the crisp draughtsmanship of Eric Fraser, following the gallery's significant retrospective of the artist who defined the look of Radio Times.

In addition, there will be a showcase of the rich variety of contemporary illustrators, from such household names as Quentin Blake, John Burningham (who will open the show), Helen Oxenbury and Michael Foreman to the more newly established talents of Amanda Hall, Jane Pinkney and Gillian Tyler. They will be matched by some of the finest living cartoonists and caricaturists, including Peter Brookes, Barry Fantoni and Matt.

The exhibition is not accompanied by a catalogue; however, biographies can be read on the individual artist pages and literature can be bought directly from the gallery's publications page.

Artists in the exhibition include:

Edward Ardizzone Mabel Lucie Attwell H M Bateman Quentin Blake John Burningham Peter Brookes Richard Doyle Barry Fantoni Michael Foreman Eric Fraser Kate Greenaway Amanda Hall Florence Harrison William Hewison Helen Oxenbury Matt Jane Pinkney Arthur Rackham William Heath Robinson Willie Rushton Ronald Searlehttp E H Shepard Ed Sorel Margaret Tarrant Gillian Tyler Lawson Wood

View the exhibition online now here

Peter Bagge's Other Stuff

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:31:40 +0100

By Peter Bagge
Publisher: Fantagraphics
ISBN: 9781606996225

Other Stuff is a collection of Peter Bagge's more obscure strips and collaborations. The collection kicks off with Lovey, a character used in the pages of Hate Annual, and if you're a fan of his Buddy Bradley work then these strips will go down well. These are followed by several Musical Urban Legend strips about fictitious goings on with big music industry names, some of which are quite outrageous, and some, sadly, don't quite hit the mark at all. I did, however, really enjoy Murray Wilson, Rock N Roll Dad, the father of Brian Wilson of the beach boys. These were several strips of a ranting and raving, overbearing control freak attempting to take the helm of the famous band. Quite mad and rather funny too.

The following chapter looks at collaborations with the likes of Alice Cooper, Alan Moore, and Daniel Clowes. I particularly liked Shamrock Squid: Autobiographical Cartoonist, drawn by Adrian Tomine, which has rather a lot of pokes at the likes of Harvey Pekar and the industry in general. Dilbert and Cathy, two stalwarts of the American daily strips, take a beating too, with Bagge's version of Dilbert joining Al-Qaeda while Cathy morphs into a very different creature under the pen of Robert Crumb. The latter of these two strips works incredibly well, possibly because I dislike the original so much.

We then get a section titled "True" Facts that, rather bravely, spins stories out of moments in scientific history, as well as looks at more contemporary events. Finally we get the Shut-Ins, returning to the more familiar strip style of Bagge's such as with Lovey that opens the book. The Shut-Ins were originally created for Neat Stuff in the 1980s but Bagge revived them for some work commissioned by Adobe. The strips have a heavy internet-based theme and explore how the internet affects a couple's relationship with the husband barely being able to pull himself away from it. I'm sure a very different story could be told today with the exponential growth of Facebook.

As a collection goes, this isn't the work Bagge's best known for, but that doesn't mean it's not worth your time as there are pages and pages of funny, daring and downright cheeky comics to enjoy. Add in a rather staggering amount of industry heavyweights and you've got one terrific read.

And if you enjoyed that: Also available now, Bagge's Reset.

Peter Bagge's Other Stuff (Book)

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Author: Peter Bagge

Publisher: FANTAGRAPHICS

Published: 2013-03-14

Number of pages: 136

ISBN: 1606996223

Price: £14.99

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Information accurate as of May 18, 2013, 12:29 pm

Lucky Luke 35: The Singing Wire

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Fri, 10 May 2013 07:46:17 +0100

By Morris and Goscinny
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181235

You'd think that a series based around the wild west would constantly retread the same ground, and yet this is the thirty-fifth volume and it's still fresh and inventive. This is largely down to the abilities of its creators, not least the scribing of Goscinny who just loves to explore the finer details of the period and let loose his wit.

The Singing Wire in question is the name given to the telegraph by the Native Americans. When the story begins the line only extends from the west coast as far as Carson City and from the east coast as far as Omaha. When President Lincoln decides to finance the completion of the line a competition is announced to see which of two teams will get to the halfway point, Salt Lake City, first, with a bonus of $100,000 to the winning team. It looks like a good natured wager on the face of it but while one side has Lucky Luke, the other has a rather nasty piece of work who plans to plant a rogue element in the opposing team's ranks. The question is whether or not Lucky Luke can identify the problem before too much disruption is caused.

Some nice mystery elements in this one as you're kept guessing to the identity of the saboteur, and of course plenty of the visual gags, wordplay and daft scenarios that make the books such an entertaining read. Classic Lucky Luke.

And if you liked that: well, you're spoilt for choice for another

Lucky Luke Vol.35: The Singing Wire (Book)

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Author: Rene Goscinny

Publisher: CINEBOOK

Published: 2012-06-07

Number of pages: 48

ISBN: 1849181233

Price: £5.99

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Steadman@77

nospam@example.com (Ron McGeary) — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:41:42 +0100

Ralph Steadman is recognised as one of the most important British graphic artists of the last fifty years. He had a long collaboration with the writer Hunter S.Thompson, with whom he worked on numerous illustration projects - most notably providing the illustrations for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - and continued to create beautiful and detailed work after Thompson's death. He also helped to create what has since become known as gonzo journalism.

To celebrate his illustratious career (and his 77th birthday!) the Cartoon Museum is mounting a major exhibition featuring over 100 of his original works. The exhibition explores the full range of his talents, including his earlier published work from 1956, material from Rolling Stone, Punch, Private Eye, the New Statesman and the Observer, as well as his illustrated books Sigmund Freud, Alice In Wonderland Through The Looking Glass, I, Leonardo, The Bid I Am, and Animal Farm. There are atmospheric wine drawings, savage political cartoons, humanitarian pictures, and some of his funny and charming illustrations for children's books. The show also includes examples of the imaginary boids he created for his book Extinct Boids (2012).

The Cartoon Museum is at 35 Little Russell Street, Holborn, London WC1A 2HH, and the exhibition runs from May 1 to July 21, 2013. Prices £5, £4 (concessions) and £3 (students).

Gun Violence - The Jester's Hat is Off!

nospam@example.com (Ron McGeary) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:40:39 +0100

A coalition of nearly 1,000 U.S. mayors who support a range of gun-control reforms, co-chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, has released a touching animated short that repeats the group's demands for Congress to enact gun-control legislation.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns recruited dozens of the nation's best cartoonists for the short film, which encourages citizens and law-makers to take action to end gun violence in the U.S. The film opens with moving sketches of frightened children and adults, as narrators Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julianne Moore question how much more violence will occur before politicians take action.

The film is voiced by Philip Seymour-Hoffman and Julianne Moore and features cartoons by Lalo Alcaraz - Bill Amend - Ruben Bolling - Jim Borgman - Steve Brodner - Roz Chast - Jeff Keane - Rick Kirkman - Peter Kuper - Mike Luckovich - David Mazzucchelli - Stephan Pastis - Mike Peters - Lincoln Pierce - Dan Piraro - Ted Rall - Dave Roman - Jerry Scott - Art Spiegelman - Raina Telgemeier - Tom Tomorrow - Garry Trudeau - and Mo Willems.

Watch the film HERE.

The Bluecoats Vol 5: Rumberley

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:11:50 +0100

By Lambil & Cauvin
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181082

Corporal Blutch and Sergeant Chesterfield have faced a bloody and terrible battle and we join the tale at its aftermath on a desolate field of death and destruction. Blutch and Sarge have survived (Blutch typically doing better due to his natural survival instincts) but both sides have received such heavy losses that few soldiers remain on active duty. The officers decide to retreat to the frontline, effectively abandoning the scores of wounded. The only concession is that they'll be left with the doctor and moved to a nearby town while they wait for reinforcements in the days to follow.

The town of Rumberley, however, is a confederate town, and naturally hostile to the incoming injured. Blutch is fit, and Sarge, despite his wounds, joins him in keeping back the aggressive civilians until they can all gain some sort of safety in a barn. However, just getting water means running the gauntlet of potshots from neighbouring windows, and to make matters worse the confederate army is on its way. With little chance of rescue it falls to Blutch and Sarge to mount a defence.

At first glance The Bluecoats looks a lot like Lucky Luke, with it's stylised, friendly cartoon illustrations and humour. It's not a million miles away with its location and period either. But where Lucky Luke thrives on clever puns, absurd situations and daft gags, The Bluecoats humour has a a darker undercurrent. On the face of it its tone is light, but the backbone of the stories concern the horrors and injustices of war. It brings a depth to the books that is both melancholy and rewarding, particularly with the scenario where the officers rationalise leaving the wounded behind.

If you've not looked at a Bluecoats book yet then this wouldn't be a bad place to start. A clever mix of history, humour and storytelling awaits you.

And if you liked that: Volume 6 is available now

Bluecoats Vol.5, The: Rumberley (Book)

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Author: Willy Lambil

Publisher: CINEBOOK

Published: 2012-01-05

Number of pages: 48

ISBN: 184918108X

Price: £5.99

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The Age of Heath Robinson

nospam@example.com (Ron McGeary) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:51:25 +0100

At West House, Pinner, HA5 1AE - 22 April - 4 May 2013

West House, Pinner, Middlesex, houses a permanent collection of the works of William Heath Robinson, and is currently hosting a new selling show, The Age of William Heath Robinson. WHR's work was among the most individual and recognisable of his age; however, it also influenced and reflected that of his contemporaries, especially fellow members of the London Sketch Club.

This exhibition will place William Heath Robinson in the context of a range of delightful and popular artists, including H M Bateman, Dudley Hardy, John Hassall, George Studdy and Lawson Wood.

For West House opening times and other visitor information please visit their website HERE.

Long John Silver Vol 3: The Emerald Maze

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:23:22 +0100

By Dorison & Lauffray
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181051

There aren't many graphic novels out there that evoke a truly cinematic quality, but this is certainly one of them. That's partly due to the powerful presence of the title character, but most of the credit must go to the thoughtful pacing of the story, the strength of the dialogue and drama of the illustrations. The cover alone is an eerie and brooding affair that perfectly sets the tone for the pages to come.

Silver has instigated mutiny but lost the map that points them to Lord Byron Hastings and the riches of Guiana-Capac. Having out-ridden the storm the ship is damaged and taking on water and the crew are unsure of Silver or what to do next, but they are alongside land even if that land is a treacherous coast of jagged rocks and precipitous cliffs. They run the risk of sinking before they can make land safely, so when the local native Mox points to a fissure in the rocks Silver takes advantage of the situation and plunges the ship into the tumultuous channel. He succeeds, bringing them through the rocks to a river channel snaking deep into the Amazon. The euphoria of the passage buoys the crew up and buys Silver time to begin the passage upstream towards Guiana-Capac.

It's menacing and edgy page after page, and once they're deep into the rainforest the scale brings to mind Skull Island and all that that entails, so when they reach their destination you're all but ready for a giant ape to break through the foliage. Instead the threat manifests itself in rather a different way.

This is a rock-solid series by two visionaries who deserve your attention. Book of the month, I reckon.

And if you liked that: Book 4 is on its way...

Long John Silver Vol.3: The Emerald Maze (Book)

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Author: Mathieu Lauffray

Publisher: CINEBOOK

Published: 2011-10-06

Number of pages: 56

ISBN: 1849181055

Price: £6.99

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Information accurate as of May 18, 2013, 12:29 pm

Grandville: Bête Noire

nospam@example.com (Simon Chadwick) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:51:50 +0100

By Bryan Talbot
Publisher: Jonathon Cape
ISBN: 978-0224096249

The third instalment of Bryan Talbots alternative world steampunk crime thriller hits the ground running with a grisly murder, a shadowy cabal of business and industry, and nods to Wind In The Willows, Blake and Mortimer, Garfield, Robocop and Dangermouse in just the first few pages.

In the world of Grandville (an alternative name for Paris in a world where France won the Napoleonic War) humanoid animals are the norm and the doughfaces (humans) are rarely seen and are very much the underclass. The hero, DI LeBrock of Scotland Yard, is covertly asked to investigate a locked-room murder back in Grandville, a task that gradually reveals a shadowy plot to take control of the empire at horrific cost.

Bryan Talbot is clearly having a lot of fun with this series, melding science fiction with history, romance, comic and cartoon references, humour and good old fashioned adventure. The story even manages to take in the manipulation of the art world, with a rather wonderful poke at a cockerel called Jackson Pollo.

It could very easily fall between the many stools it straddles, but somehow Talbots enthusiasm and creativity keep it striding forward, page after page. And theres quite a fan following now, with praise from the likes of Philip Pullman and Ian Rankin.

Like Alan Moores Top Ten and LOEG, the details in the background keep you occupied beyond the main thrust of the story. The rather tipsy Paddington Bear made me smile.

If youve ever enjoyed Talbots Luther Arkwright work then you should definitely be ordering your copy of Grandville - its fun, its clever and its refreshingly different.

And if you liked that: You really should check out the other two volumes in the series.

Grandville Bete Noire (Book)

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Author: Bryan Talbot

Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Published: 2012-12-06

Number of pages: 104

ISBN: 0224096249

Price: £16.99

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Information accurate as of May 18, 2013, 8:45 am