Concrete Volume 1: Depths

In the mid-2000s Paul Chadwick's Concrete stories (which started in the mid 1980s) were repackaged into 7 handsome volumes to celebrate 2005's Concrete: The Human Dillema. Depths is the first of these and shows the begining of a wonderful, life enriching series which all of you should read. That's it! Buy this book and then the 6 others. See that button that says "buy"? Click on it now! This book collects the first 5 issues of the original 10 issue Concrete series as well as several short stories, some from around the same time as the original series and later ones (from 1999 and 2000) that tie into these early stories thematically. The premise is that Concrete is one Ronald Lithgow, a soft-spoken intellectual content with being behind the scenes as a senator's speechwriter. But when Lithgow is abducted by aliens (the only sci-fi part of the story, the rest is fairly realistic) he ends up in a super-strong, stone body. The introverted Lithgow now becomes a celebrity freakshow. Thrust into the limelight and cut off from normal human interation he tries to carve out a niche for himself. He can never feel, taste, or make love again, but he takes solace in his nigh-invulnerability: he can realize all his adventurous childhood fantasies! Do daring things and make his living writing books and articles about these things that no one else can do! ...but things never turn out as planned for our hero, like in real life, but Concrete stays optimistic.

I first became aware of Paul Chadwick's creator-owned Concrete back in the mid-`80s. Initially, I was interested in him because he resembled something Jack Kirby may have drawn in the various classic monster titles of Marvel Comics. As I read further, however, I began to realize that this character had so much more to offer. CONCRETE VOLUME 1: DEPTHS is the first in a series of digest-sized reprints collecting all of Chadwick's work on his Eisner-winning creation. Technically, the story begins with the mind of political speechwriter Ron Lithgow being transplanted into a powerful alien construct. The purpose for this is unknown, but then that's not really the point, as the series transcends any need for an answer. Where I would normally criticize a creator who gives me a character with no clear point or reason for his origin, Concrete doesn't need one, as it is not a series about superheroics, but about life. For example, if you were granted super-strength/-endurance/-senses, you "could" go out and fight crime, but what else could you do? How about attempt to swim the Atlantic Ocean, or become a one-man search and rescue operation, or get a taste of life in the fast lane by playing bodyguard to a rock star? In this volume, Ron tries them all, with very interesting and often unexpected results. Unfortunately, while Ron's abilities are amplified, he can't always control them. In addition, his rocky hide leaves him as a prisoner of sorts in his new body. Still, with the help of his researcher Maureen and assistant Larry, Ron is able to get by, learning more of his amazing powers and occasional limitations. This first collection contains the earliest Concrete stories from Concrete #1-5 and Dark Horse Presents, with some extras. Regarding the whole series, I find it's best to mix these volumes with some other books instead of trying to read them all in one stretch, as Chadwick's writing can get a bit self-righteous and preachy at times; however, he sure can tell a great story.

One of the best graphic series I've ever read, if not the best -- beautifully and imaginatively drawn, with deep, moving stories that contain most every characteristic people look for in storytelling (intellect, humor, pathos, adventure, sorrow, joy, awe, sex, movie parodies, and a three-legged dog). What would your life become if you were suddenly transformed into a 1,200-pound hunk of ugly, indestructible rock? Paul Chadwick answers that question from most every conceivable direction, often with unexpected, hilarious, exciting, and very touching results.

If you're looking for something deeper than just a guy with superpowers, this is a good start. Concrete chronicles the story of a man that is suddenly placed into a stone-like body, and portrays the abrupt adjustment to his life. As the other reviewer stated, this first book is not only an introduction, but also full of great other material, such as the story "Vagabond." I purchased and read this book, then read 2-7, and have enjoyed each one.

What a remarkable piece of writing! Paul Chadwick is a very sharp storyteller. While "Concrete" has clear elements of fantasy, it has a low-key tone and avoidance of flash as it looks at the ins and outs of a very huamn life through this very superhuman character. Clear and graceful art and an understated sense of humor move through this collection of short pieces. The non-Concrete short story "Vagabond" is worth the price of admission alone. I happened upon this book by chance and have been slowly savoring the follow-up. I now look forward to volume 3!