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June 6, 2008
Summer Reads: The Undergrad's Graphic Novel Collection
DMZ by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli
DMZ: On the Ground 741.5973 W85d
DMZ: Body of a Journalist 741.5973 W85db
Like all art, comic books and graphic novels tend to reflect the world around them. No matter which side of the political spectrum you lie in, we seem to be living through some dark times, and contemporary comics have picked up on this. Writer Brian Wood's new series DMZ stands as perhaps the most visceral example of this trend. The story takes place sometime in the near future. The national army, stretched to its limits by multiple wars in foreign countries finds itself unable to defend against a domestic insurgency. Essentially, middle America rises up and secedes, leading to a second American Civil War. Manhattan island has become a war torn no man's land, a demilitarized border between what remains of the United States and the anti-establishment "Free States." With the island largely evacuated, those who have stayed behind in what was once the greatest city in the country are forced to contend with hostilities from both factions, gangs and turf wars among the city's residents, and the day to day struggle of living in this harsh environment. Matty Roth, an aspiring photojournalist is dropped into the middle of all this, and through his eyes the reader experiences the strange, yet eerily familiar world of this new Manhattan, now known as "the DMZ."
Despite the interesting back story the real meat of the book lies in Brian Wood's startlingly realistic portrayal of average citizens enduring in the face of societal collapse and abandonment. Wood's narrative tone remains even-handed throughout showing both the horror and violence of life during war time, as well as the hope inherent in a group of people forced to rebuild and retain some semblance of community. Riccardo Burchielli's dynamic, manga-inspired artwork captures all of the grime and disarray of a ravaged metropolis, complete with chilling illustrations of devastated landmarks and imagery ripped straight from today's headlines. The series touches on media bias, the often muddied motivations behind war, the fallibility of extreme political ideologies, and the moral ambiguities of survival all while telling a ripping good yarn, with action and suspense that rivals any summer blockbuster or television thriller. Think 24 with more depth and less cheesiness, or Mad Max without all the chaps and hockey masks. For those who enjoy a bit of weight with their adventure, and a bit of relevance with their action, DMZ might make the perfect summer read.
If You Enjoy DMZ, You Might Also Like These Other Visions of Weird Futures:
Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn and Pia Guerra - 741.5973 V465y
Brian K. Vaughn's critically acclaimed and inventive series follows the exploits of the last man on earth, after a mysterious catastrophe causes the simultaneous death of every male on the planet. The book covers similar post-apocalyptic territory as DMZ, presenting an alternately humorous and terrifying vision of a world in post-crisis mode.
Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson 741.5973 El596to2004
Veteran comic writer Ellis made his name telling the story of Spider Jerusalem, a tough as nails, foul-mouthed, anti-establishment journalist fighting corruption in a future dystopia where a crooked government rules over an oblivious, technology-obsessed society. Think Hunter S. Thompson fighting the Empire rather than Luke Skywalker.
Posted by undergrad at June 6, 2008 1:52 PM
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