Crazed killers, masked villains, disaffected hipsters, hypnotists, hardboiled detectives, and other shadowy and/or monstrous figures mix and mingle in these surreal, gothic-tinged short stories by the late Sala (1954–2020), which were originally self-published in 1984 and are reprinted here for the first time ever, in an expanded edition including rarely seen artwork, interviews, and other bonus materials. Sala’s ability to balance the macabre and grim humor is on full display, with his signature expressionistic yet playful linework and shadow-soaked panels drawing the audience into atmospheric worlds that feel both fantastically absurd and unnervingly real. Sparse dialogue and fragmented narratives, which tend to begin in medias res and end on notes more atmospheric than conclusive, add to the dreamlike quality of these tales, creating a sense of unease that intensifies panel by panel. The majority of Sala’s stories raise more questions than they ever get around to answering, and the eerie ambiguity created by a lack of narrative resolution proves viscerally resonant.
VERDICT The grim humor, grotesque imagery, and brilliant craftsmanship displayed here make a strong case for Sala being among the very best cartoonists of his generation.
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