Notes for a War Story

Its really hard to find a comic artist in the magnitude of the old masters in this pile of superhero and manga garbage of today but Gipi really gets close to the likes of Hugo Pratt, Moebius and the other gods imo. Not only he is as good but he lacks the superficialims and narcissism that some of these great artists had (Manara comes to mind). He doesnt draw just to make beautiful pictures but to make his characters and stories jump of the page. His lines are simple and flow incredibly with the motion, feelings and mood of his characters. His watercolors blend magically and add depth and atmopshere in a natural way. Storytelling and pace is excellent and I do love his complex characters and imaginative and lively dialogue. A true genious.

I read this on the heals of watching "Children of God." In some ways there were similar themes of children turned to a life of guns, crime...war. This novel also brought to mind tales of my friends who experienced the war first hand in Bosnia and Croatia. And even of those who now have had to live with the war in Iraq on their turf. Gipi never stipulates place...because this could be anywhere. The style is unique. The story is gripping. A graphic novel which certainly stays with you long after you've set it down.

This is probably one of the most amazing comics I've ever read. The watercolors are gorgeous and the story is compelling. Gipi is truly a master of his craft.