New House on Fire Review

Also review of new Brubaker/Phillips 'Night Fever'

Greg Burgas wrote a nice review over at Atomic Junk Shop, I think Greg is one of the first to actually give the ending a reading that’s closer to my read of it.

“House on Fire is more interesting simply because of the way Battaglia tells the story than for the strength of the plot. It’s an interesting look into a man’s soul and why he’s feeling bereft, set against a world that looks far too much like our own. Despite some problems, it’s a promising first graphic novel for Battaglia. It will be interesting to see what he does next.”

You can read the review here.

What I’m Reading…

Night Fever

This book really hit home for me - it’s a mid-life crisis book (essentially) and that bit of it really struck me. All the trappings of life and how once you get away for a moment you kind of want to disappear into a whole new persona. The European setting definitely works in its favor, considering that it’s about an American abroad - and every time I’ve been to Europe I’m left with this strong desire to have wanted my life to begin elsewhere, I want to disappear into those old cities and historical places. The American did this for me as well. Sean and Jacob Phillips deliver their usual greatness. Jacob’s color work has really grown on me since My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies. I think this volume is his best. There’s nothing much to say about Sean - he’s always consistent and you know he’ll deliver a well told story. His inks have loosened up a bit lately and I really like that - there’s a bit of impressionism going on now. I prefer his work post-digital to his digital books (notably Fade-Out and Kill Or Be Killed) while both of those books are his most detailed and “perfect” I think they were missing some of the life that his traditional inks have.

Kali

Picked this up based on Renton Hawkey’s recommendation - and it does not disappoint. Thrilling action, beautifully drawn. Just a visual treat. Try to get your hands on it in print because the oversize pages really do the art justice.