Ebonrook Picks: Grandville

I thought it was time for a new article concept, and in 'Ebonrook Picks' I will be discussing some of my personal favorite comics, films, books and games. I will try to keep a weekly schedule, but this isn't a definite thing yet. If anything it's just an excuse to be able to discuss one of the best graphic novels I have ever read; Gradville by Bryan Talbot.

Bryan started working in comics in the late 1960s, and has worked with notable companies, authors and artist, including working with 2000AD's Judge Dredd, Sláine, Torquemada and Nemesis the Warlock (not counting Future Shocks!). He's worked with Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman too! On Sandman no less! He has worked on Batman, Hellblazer and Fables. So if you haven't read something by Bryan by now, you probably don't read comics.

Grandville is easily one of the best graphic novels I've read, and definitely my favorite of anything recent. Yes, that includes collected editions of comics such as Return of Bruce Wayne or All-Star Superman. Grandville and Talbot really do come up trumps. Part of Grandville's brilliance is the fact that its easy to understand but almost impossible to clearly define. Bryan even explains it in a small authors note. Explaining his many inspirations; J. J. Grandville, for which the story is named, the French caricaturist who could be blamed for the Furry Generation. Albert Robida a French science fiction illustrator from the 1800s. Arthur Conan Doyle, Rupert the Bear and Quentin Tarantino are all mentioned. Naturally so, as it is clear how much influence all of these elements had on Talbot's writing of Grandville. There is so much more though. More than a passing reference to the famous works of Hergé in characters such as the 'doughfaces' and more. Elements of Wells and Verne are strong felt. Historical and cultural points are used well to great strength. Language is spectacular, if not a little confusing.* What's more all of these ingredients are seamlessly mixed. If Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (another story that mixes many recognisable elements) were as an English Breakfast, then Grandville would be as Gâteau.

You see the English Breakfast is delicious. Everything you could ever want for breakfast is right there in heaped quantities is right there for the taking. The only thing is, you know exactly what is there, you know exactly what you're eating and you can see each ingredient all on it's own. Now for a lot of people (myself included) that can be a great thing. Many people want to be able to see exactly what they are getting, they like to play it safe like that and they don't like to take the risk. Too many extra calories is a dangerous thing for some people, after all!

Then there is Gâteau. You can't really always tell what you're getting with gâteau. You recognise many of the flavors, and you can sometimes see bits that you are positive you know. There are secrets in the gâteau, calories that you know you don't want, ingredients that you have never tasted before. Secret flavors and secret experiences. You aren't always sure what you are getting, but you take the risk because it all tastes so great together, and that sums up the great thing about Grandville. All of the elements, all of the ingredients, they come together perfectly for the experience of a lifetime!

It should be mentioned that there are clear elements, almost unsubtle elements, of inspiration taken from the War on Terror and the September 11 Attacks. Some people might take offence to that. Some people might take offence to how it is used in the story. My response to that is, grow up, this is fiction and if you have an issue with current or recent events being utilised in this way, you have enough issues that you probably shouldn't be reading comics. If you are capable of reading anything like that though, with out being "offended" for some one, then you will find it only adds to the depth and complexity of Grandville. 

I now realise that I haven't yet defined it, the plot, the art. It's so difficult to do with out giving away spoilers. I will however try. Grandville is a Science Fiction-Detective-Steampunk-Alternate History-Fantasy-Spy-Thriller in the mixed style of 19th century caricaturists, 20th century crime novelists and 21st century independent film directors. The art is lovingly crafted, with attention to detail being obvious panel after panel. The story and characters are carefully built, with strong motivations and personalities that extend beyond the confines of the pages. In being a multitude of things, it becomes one truly great thing. If you have never read Grandville then you really are missing out. If you enjoy Sci-Fi it's for you, if you enjoy English literature and classics, it's for you, if you enjoy Steampunk, it's for you. In general if you enjoy comics or reading, then really you have no excuse for not having picked up Grandville a long long time ago. I suggest you go grab your copy now. Be quick though, Bete Noir is incoming. In addition find Bryan's fanpage here.


*A note on the language. The dialog is very colloquially English (British), yet it is mentioned in story that English is a dead language. Meaning they are speaking French. I'm not up to date on my French, but I am almost sure that they don't really speak in the same way we do. I could be wrong though. It's not a complaint though, it just adds more to the character of the novel!