Written by Ram V Art by Devmalya Pramanik Color by Alba Cardona Gil Letters by Aditya Bidikar Design by Mathanki Kodavasal Reviewed by Jim St. Pierre In the sixth installment of this sophisticated series centering on the eponymous sentient city of Paradiso, Ram V continues to escalate the tension with the introduction of more complex characters. His elegant approach to plot design integrates these characters seamlessly into the fabric of the narrative in ways that both elaborate on current sub-plots while also creating whole new directions for the story. The story picks up with the character Hazard--the ultimate manifestation of techno-human duality that “Paradiso” explores thematically--and transitions to the main characters whose contact with the Dark Dwellers intensifies quickly when it becomes clear that they need something from Jack. Interlaced among these subplots is a continuation of the Iron Trees tinkerer storyline in which he becomes mysteriously important to Paradiso. And though some of our questions are answered, Ram V’s story generates so many more that the tension continues to build. Part of the brilliance of Ram V’s writing is his focus on the internal conflicts that drive all of his characters. These conflicts, particularly with Jack Kryznan, explore issues of power, identity, desire, and belief and become central to each character’s individual motivation, making for very realistic character development and dialogue despite the fantastical nature of the setting and plot. Thus, the new characters such as Vasilja and Stevan, leaders of the Dark Dwellers, become highly relatable from their introductions. Ram V’s world building paired with the art of Dev Pramanik and the colors of Alba Cardona Gil, are equally impressive. Pramanik’s art doesn’t pull away from the story but underscores the fluidity that technology and humanity share. Each page is designed in holistic ways that develop both technological advancement and primal human emotions. One page has a human face constructed from circuitry, cables, metal plates, lights, and rods--once again reflecting the dichotomy created when pairing humanity with technology. With such pairings, we have to ask, which is more powerful? Which is more subversive? And so we are further drawn into the story. Cardona Gil’s colors are subtle, earthy and fluid. They help guide the reader between settings and scenes as the underworld is colored in hues of purple and red whereas the city proper is depicted in hues of green and flashbacks seeamlessly rendered in sepia. All of these organically connected to the art, the storyline and the themes. Perhaps the most intriguing quality of “Paradiso” and particularly of issue #6 ‘The Dark Dwellers’ is how the story resonates with connections to Dantean imagery--something that can’t be overlooked given the title. Jack Kryznan’s descent into the underworld of Paradiso hearkens to Dante’s journey through hell, where even the fog plays a role similar to the swirling punishments of the incontinent. Detached, god-like figures determine destinies of people who try to accommodate or oppose them, all with equally impotent results. And the Dark Dwellers, who have been in limbo for so long, struggle to find hope in a world devoid of it. Given all of these qualities, ‘The Dark Dwellers’ is an 8/10: a sophisticated, engaging piece of science fiction whose themes and connections extend far beyond the pages. Click Here for link to NPR Review
Books for learning about Graphic novels |
Written by Alan Moore
Illustrated by Kevin O’Neill Reviewed by Jim St. Pierre As with most of Moore’s work, “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Tempest” #2 is complex, psychedelic and thrilling. His cast of characters spans figures from two hundred years of literature and references settings from an equal number of books. Typical to his other “League” books, “The Tempest” #2 transitions among settings, both temporal and physical, to fill in back stories and further develop Moore’s convoluted plot, the point of which isn’t entirely clear. And not to be outdone, O’Neill matches these surreal shifts in narration with his almost hallucinatory art. Sometimes the pages are black and white, reflective of the journals used as artifacts for backstory; sometimes they are stylized in blocky, vintage comic form; and sometimes the art is more modern. All of these techniques come together like a patchwork quilt, filling in gaps to a story that skips around like an old movie-reel. And though the story is often confusing, the characters are unique and compelling, even when they are essentially recycled. Perhaps that is Moore’s genius: his ability to give new life to classic figures. And Moore is never one to leave a comic only partially realized. The ads, the commentary, even the credits, all speak to the classic style of writing that popularized the characters he has conscripted into his narrative. Final Verdict: 8.9/10 Moore’s complexity is matched by O’Neill’s artistic vision and both keep the reader seeking for deeper meaning in the panels. Blankets
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Watchmen
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The Borden tragedy by Rick Geary
Rick Geary has made over a dozen non-fiction comics about notorious figures and unsolved mysteries from the 19th and early 20th centuries. His work is geared towards middle school readers but i have found that many of my reticent high school readers, and avid readers as well, enjoy his books. I particularly like The borden tragedy because it takes place in new england (where i teach) and approaches the topic using a witness' journal. the language is more sophisticated than most of his other works and the mystery itself he presents in a thorough and compelling fashion. |
Stitches
by David Small
Probably the best graphic novel for teaching. The story and images are rife with symbolism. The language is minimal so even reticent readers can complete it in a 45 minute class, but the content is rich with depth. All of my students love this book.
Fun Home
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Beowulf
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