Robots & Rabbits

Two books up for review today, Robot Investigator and Rashy Rabbit...

First, the robot:

Robot Investigator by Vincent Stall

I've never been big on "silent" comics, in fact the only one I've ever cared for is Owly I think. I can now add Robot Investigator to that extremely short list. Like Owly this book explores relationships between creatures who can't communicate. There's an innocence here that's lacking in mainstream entertainment. Looking at the world from an outsider's eyes, it can seem a bit idealized, but when the robot encounters a group of people that knock it uncoscious a harsh reality is imposed. It really is a cute, quirky look at life and relationships.


Then the rabbit:

Rashy Rabbit by Josh Latta

This, on the other hand is a pretty bitter look at life. After finding himself unemployed for over a year, Rashy finds a bit of a distraction in the form of a sexy drug dealer. When things don't go so well he takes a ton of drugs and goes to a strip joint. Not a complex plot for certain, it's really just a harsh look at a stoner's lifestyle. There's no redemption for the character, in fact he doesn't really even learn anything. That probably makes it more true to life than anything. But, in the end, just like Rashy's new drug dealin' pal, the book winds up being more of a distraction than an important life lesson.

-L

Go Lone Racer, Go!

Lone Racer written & drawn by Nicolas Mahler

The latest in my Top Shelf review-a-thon, Lone Racer is the story of, what else, a race car driver, his best friend Rubber and his new love Eleanor. Simplistic, I know, but that's fitting. Mahler's style, both the art and the writing, is simplistic. Perhaps that's one of the reasons it appeals to me so much.

Of all the books I've read recently, Lone Racer is easily the most cinematic. It's basic, matter-of-fact approach to the characters and their actions brings them to life in a way that few can achieve. Sure, they look like obscure little figures, but who can't relate to their situations? Who doesn't dream of a better life? Or of the glories of years past? It's not a story that you can relate to because it speaks to some specific part of your life. It's a story that anyone can relate to because it speaks about moments everyone has experienced.

It may seem simple, but sometimes it's the simplest things that teach the best lessons.

-L

Y Ask Y, Try UltraVi(olet)

I do have some more Top Shelf books to review, but right now I don't have the time. So, here's two quick reviews.

Ultraviolet

Well, I've put off watching this for awhile, mostly because of all the negative press. I'd like to say it was undeserved, but sadly, no. It's a gorgeous movie, and a decent enough concept, there's more than enough here to make this at least a good film, if not a great one. but, it never commits to itself, if that makes sense. If all the rumors about studio interference is true then it's understandable. It looks like they set out to make a modern sci-fi epic (a la Blade Runner) and ended up with a rip off of Aeon Flux. Could've been really good though.


Y, the Last Man #56

Five years, and we finally get some real payoff. I can honestly say that the last scene in the book is one of the most emotional pieces in mainstream comics in quite some time. With only a few issues left I'm dying to know how things will wrap up. Looks like far too many plots to tie up, but I've got faith. Vaughan has brought us this far, I'm sure he can bring it home.

Back tomorrow with a review of Lone Racer!

-L