March 1, 2024
Gr 10 Up-Carrasco presents a collection here that covers themes of boredom, loss, and escapism, but does so primarily through the art. Two simple words begin this journey: "Born Again." With that title, readers might assume a church setting in this first story, and they would be right, but there is something hidden in this megachurch full of flash and flare. What a young boy finds under the pew will change his current religious experience from boredom to bliss. The second tale, "Swing," presents a future where robots have seamlessly integrated with humans, even being considered family, though the tale is dark and violent in nature. Vibrant colors leap off the page in "Hard Body," the wordless third tale, about a group of stylistic and energetic people enjoying a night of dancing in the club. Have you ever seen a piece of art that, upon first glance, confuses you and causes you to look deeper, not only into the piece, but into yourself? The art leads the storytelling, with words seemingly added as an afterthought, merely providing context to help the reader connect more emotionally. It raises the question, "should more graphic novels convey their messages on art alone?" VERDICT A showcase of Carrasco's kinetic art. While some may not completely understand it, the passion of his visuals and storytelling shine through to create a thought-provoking work of modern art.-Adam Fisher
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