Fatale, Volume 2: The Devil's Business by Ed BrubakerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another "drop everything else" read by Brubaker and co. This time the noir takes on a '70's theme, but this is no Starsky and Hutch. No, again we are steeped in a criminal underworld that is merely a facade for something far more sinister. The minions want money, to be sure, but the real monsters are . . . well, real monsters.
I'm intrigued at how Brubaker, through story and image, elicits feelings of sympathy for Josephine who hides more than she shows. Is she a demon or an angel? More appropriately, where does she lie on the continuum between the two? Or is she outside of such dualities all together?
And what of Nicolas? Can he avoid the fate of so many of Jo's past loves? Or will he end up being swallowed, like so many others, by forces he cannot hope to comprehend?
Brubaker is at it again. Though the primary setting for this volume has moved from the traditional noir setting of the 1930's and '40's to the 1970's, this volume doesn't lose a step from Volume 1 at all. Compelling characters, a writhing background plot reminiscent of BPRD, and candid glimpses into the Manson-esque Method Church all weave a sticky net for the eager reader. I've not been drawn into a series like this in a very, very long time, and I hope this series lasts a very, very long time.
Addendum: If you really want to immerse yourself in this volume of Fatale, I'd recommend first lighting up some incense. Then before your reading watch this video by Opeth, in order to get in the proper mood. Then, after you're done reading, watch this video as the desert course. Now, please stay away from sharp objects and candles made from baby fat while engaging in this exercise.
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment