GRAPHIC NOVELS

Twelve Gems

by Lane Milburn
(text & illus.). Fantagraphics. Aug. 2014. 220p. ISBN 9781606997512. pap. $19.99. SF
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Depicting a contemporary cosmic odyssey, Twelve Gems features three disparate characters hired to locate mystic gems scattered across the galaxy. This ragtag group includes a superintelligent winged dog named Dogstar; a gorgeous space Amazon, Venus; and a pig-nosed bounty hunter behemoth named Furz. Each brings an invaluable skill set to the mission, and writer Milburn puts them all to the test as the trio traverse space in a desperate search for the elusive stones. The entirety of the story is depicted in black-and-white ink drawings of a similar style to Harvey Pekar or Robert Crumb. The tone, the farcical nature of the plot developments, and the over-the-top depiction of alien societies also liken it to Heavy Metal magazine and the stories found there.
VERDICT A valuable gem to add to any collection focusing on independent comics and alternative storytelling with its avant-garde narrative voice, classical art style, and brilliantly paced sense of adventure.
Reviewed by Alger C. Newberry III, Genesee Dist. Lib., Flint, MI , Jul 04, 2014
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