Ain't It Cool News had this to say about my upcoming graphic novel, Fragile Prophet:
Books like FRAGILE PROPHET are the reason why I restarted up this Indie Jones column here at AICN Comics. Amidst the clutter of crossovers and hype you may miss a book that, although it may not be in the mainstream, turns out to be something truly special. Just by reading the introduction to this Original Graphic Novel, I knew I was in for something original and unique. Writer Jeff Davidson goes into detail about the inspiration for this series in a way that sucks you into this world by providing factual instances where the type of phenomenon that occurs in this book has happened in the past. After reading the intro I felt as if I was either being set up for the biggest letdown ever or in store for one of the coolest comic book reading experiences Ive had all year.
Turns out, it was the latter.
FRAGILE PROPHET is the story of a young child (Jake) who was born with a mental disability called Fragile-X Syndrome and his brother (Esau) who has dedicated his life to taking care of him. This disability can be likened to autism, where the child lives in a world of his own, only occasionally interacting with the real world. Jake is prone to muttering nonsensities, or thats what Esau believes until one fateful day in a department store where Jake gets lost and his gibberish turns out to be predictions of the future. The story ping-pongs around trying to find when this phenomenon began. Locales change from a circus sideshow where Jake was the main act to a TV talk show where Jakes abilities are put into question. Broken into three acts, this story builds in intensity as Jake prophesizes his own death. Esau then dedicates his whole life to making sure this prophesy does not come true. What transpires is both emotionally heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time.
And thats what made this such a great read. There really is a lot of heart that went into this book. The scenes where Jake interacts with his brother and the rest of the world arent done as cutesy filler. These scenes function to develop emotional depth, so you dont want anything bad to happen to any of these characters. These scenes help flesh out the loss, the happiness, the concern, and the dedication that Esau feels towards his brother. Writer Jeff Davidson does this in a way that is not tacked on or preachy. On top of that, he handles a truly trippy dream sequence and a completely David Lynchian climax with ease. There is some truly trippy shit going on towards the end of this story. Davidson incorporates the more sensitive scenes in with these outrageous happenings very well to make a truly original reading experience.
Part Manga, part AEON FLUX-ish, part cartoony. Thats the only way I can describe Stephen R. Buells art. And that would be doing it a disservice. I love the way Buell makes his faces as these vast clear tablets where smaller facial features float around to create truly expressionistic faces. Making features like the eyes smaller, the artist is allowed more to work with by way of positioning them to embrace specific emotions. This being a very emotional tale, Buells artwork compliments the story nicely. Too often, though, an artist is able to capture the subtle nuances of facial expression, but unable to use that same understanding to their depictions of the human form. Thats not a problem here as Buell seems to have a confident grasp of all of the imagery around him. When the story goes into the realm of the surreal, Buell skillfully uses imagery to heighten the experience.
I cant recommend FRAGILE PROPHET enough. I plan on sending my copy to some of my fellow @$$holes to enjoy. It truly is one of those special finds that pops out of nowhere and ends up staying with you for a long time. The story is resonant and the art is just as good. Do yourself a favor and give this one a look see. It is unlike any book Ive read this year and will definitely be one I will be thinking about for a long time. Look for it in August. You wont be disappointed.
Books like FRAGILE PROPHET are the reason why I restarted up this Indie Jones column here at AICN Comics. Amidst the clutter of crossovers and hype you may miss a book that, although it may not be in the mainstream, turns out to be something truly special. Just by reading the introduction to this Original Graphic Novel, I knew I was in for something original and unique. Writer Jeff Davidson goes into detail about the inspiration for this series in a way that sucks you into this world by providing factual instances where the type of phenomenon that occurs in this book has happened in the past. After reading the intro I felt as if I was either being set up for the biggest letdown ever or in store for one of the coolest comic book reading experiences Ive had all year.
Turns out, it was the latter.
FRAGILE PROPHET is the story of a young child (Jake) who was born with a mental disability called Fragile-X Syndrome and his brother (Esau) who has dedicated his life to taking care of him. This disability can be likened to autism, where the child lives in a world of his own, only occasionally interacting with the real world. Jake is prone to muttering nonsensities, or thats what Esau believes until one fateful day in a department store where Jake gets lost and his gibberish turns out to be predictions of the future. The story ping-pongs around trying to find when this phenomenon began. Locales change from a circus sideshow where Jake was the main act to a TV talk show where Jakes abilities are put into question. Broken into three acts, this story builds in intensity as Jake prophesizes his own death. Esau then dedicates his whole life to making sure this prophesy does not come true. What transpires is both emotionally heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time.
And thats what made this such a great read. There really is a lot of heart that went into this book. The scenes where Jake interacts with his brother and the rest of the world arent done as cutesy filler. These scenes function to develop emotional depth, so you dont want anything bad to happen to any of these characters. These scenes help flesh out the loss, the happiness, the concern, and the dedication that Esau feels towards his brother. Writer Jeff Davidson does this in a way that is not tacked on or preachy. On top of that, he handles a truly trippy dream sequence and a completely David Lynchian climax with ease. There is some truly trippy shit going on towards the end of this story. Davidson incorporates the more sensitive scenes in with these outrageous happenings very well to make a truly original reading experience.
Part Manga, part AEON FLUX-ish, part cartoony. Thats the only way I can describe Stephen R. Buells art. And that would be doing it a disservice. I love the way Buell makes his faces as these vast clear tablets where smaller facial features float around to create truly expressionistic faces. Making features like the eyes smaller, the artist is allowed more to work with by way of positioning them to embrace specific emotions. This being a very emotional tale, Buells artwork compliments the story nicely. Too often, though, an artist is able to capture the subtle nuances of facial expression, but unable to use that same understanding to their depictions of the human form. Thats not a problem here as Buell seems to have a confident grasp of all of the imagery around him. When the story goes into the realm of the surreal, Buell skillfully uses imagery to heighten the experience.
I cant recommend FRAGILE PROPHET enough. I plan on sending my copy to some of my fellow @$$holes to enjoy. It truly is one of those special finds that pops out of nowhere and ends up staying with you for a long time. The story is resonant and the art is just as good. Do yourself a favor and give this one a look see. It is unlike any book Ive read this year and will definitely be one I will be thinking about for a long time. Look for it in August. You wont be disappointed.
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