It is incredible. I will post a review when I have finished it (probably tomorrow) but just couldn't contain myself from a little post about it.
It's an incredibly dark but moving memoir of David B.'s becoming a comics artist as a result of his need to escape into the violent fantasy worlds in his imagination in order to cope with the madness that surrounds him and his family in the real world.
His older brother is an unstable epileptic and the comic takes a painful look at the struggle his family go through in their desperation to find a cure. As his condition worsens they turn from doctors, to psychiatrists, to alternative medicine, esotericism and religion and every step they take extinguishes one more glimmer of hope.
The art is frightening and expressionistic, and very very powerful.
It was first published in France as L'Ascension du Haut Mal about 10 years ago, I think, and this complete translation in one book came out here a few ago.
I wonder if a review should be a Blast From The Past in that case?
waffle
I've often thought about ordering a copy of Epileptic, but as I have family members with the condition, and I'm aware that the book is pretty downbeat, I've always thought otherwise.
Would be interested to hear your final thoughts though...
Batmanuel
i am tempted to make a joke about the Epileptic and the Christmas lights, but Waffle might slap me so best not.
and if this book is in graphic medium why haven't i heard about it?
information please, if its really good i would like the opportunity to sample it.
CatFang
I've finished it now - very good it was too.
I'll try and do a review this week.
Actually - just seen this elsewhere - can you order it in for me:
"NOCTURNAL CONSPIRACIES: NINETEEN DREAMS
By David B
The best-selling author of EPILEPTIC and one of Europe’s leading new generation comics artists invites us to experience 19 of his most imaginative dreams. Strange, scary, beautiful, and funny, with a logic and sense all their own, these are tales of David B.’s inner psyche.
Two-color trade paperback with flaps, 6” x 9”, 128 pages, $14.95, ISBN 978-1-56163-541-2"
Batmanuel
Okay dokey
CatFang
I did a proper review in the Blast from the Past section
so best not.