BLACKSAD: SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE SHADOWS
Juan Diaz Canales/Juanjo Guarnido
IBooks/Komikwerks (www.komikwerks.com)

iBooks is carving a niche - bringing the best of European books to the American market. I'm glad they are, as I'd never have seen them otherwise.

In BLACKSAD, sly detective John Blacksad investigates the mysterious murder of a former paramour, actress Natalia Wilford. Despite warnings from the police detective on the case, Blacksad combs both the criminal underworld and high society alike in search of her killer.

Maybe I should tell you that BLACKSAD is an animal book. Well, to be more specific, it's a detective story populated by anthropomorphic animals. Oh, this is no cutesy funny critter book - the tale of BLACKSAD is a gritty nourish thriller, and these creatures dress in overcoats and slinky dresses.

Sure, I'd be skeptical, too. But before long, you're not even concerned that the characters have animal heads. In fact, the distinctive features of cats, dogs, snakes (and so on) are a fantastic visual shorthand that defines the characters at lightning speed.

Guarnido/s art is nothing short of spectacular. His detailed linework brings the 1940s New York setting to realistic life. Guarnido's color is equally distinctive - moody, muted, and eminently appropriate for this film noir homage.

Canales provides a relatively straightforward story with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. And although BLACKSAD wasn't originally written in English, the translation is quite natural.

Don't let the (decidedly unfunny) animals put you off - BLACKSAD is a visual feat that won't disappoint.

Reviewer: Doug Giffin

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Doug Giffin is the creator/writer of Harlow's End: Elijah's Tale (as previously seen in Digital Webbing Presents #3). To see more of Doug's work, visit his website at www.psychoengine.com

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