Select language, opens an overlay

Comment

FindingJane
Apr 17, 2016FindingJane rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Dark powers are rising. But, as with all such matters, the signs are subtle, innocuous and easy to miss. Time and again, it has been shown that ordinary people are largely blind to the extraordinary: insects in fancy dress, toys that walk and talk, foliage that assume human shape, birds and dogs leashed and ridden like horses, etc. This book shows what can happen when a neglected boy tries to win acclaim by calling attention to beings that don’t want to be seen. It’s an epic story that spins from the hurt of a little boy who becomes consumed by inner darkness (Lord Voldemort, meet Walter Pidgin). The mystery unspools by teasing increments, much like the recorder Walt uses to try to piece together the mystery of the forest—and a new boy and girl who try to figure out what happened to him. There are layers within layers in this graphic novel and the author/illustrator accomplishes the seemingly difficult task of keeping us interested and pulling together the threads of the different stories. Some mysteries aren’t solved and some questions remain unanswered. (Who’s the old woman, Mary? What kind of deal is being struck between Curly Bill and the Baron?) But that’s because the author knows which matters are pressing and what can be cast by the wayside. This is one spooky story, one that legitimately deserves the adjective and no mistake. The illustrations have all the sharp clarity of photographs made with sharp and softly blurred lines. They’re very beautiful or full of terror (and sometimes both at once). This is an eerie story and I think the best effect is when you read it late at night, with the lights low and the world outside is still and dark…