Jano Rohleder

This one packed quite a punch. I watched the movie years ago but was not aware it was based off the comic book, nor that that very comic book was result of very tragic developments in author's life.

When you look at it art-wise, it is not an appealing work of art (at least not to me). While there are parts that are visually striking (for example, Eric's memories of days filled with love for Shelly, or very sad Gabriel the cat watching Eric going crazy with sorrow) majority is very dark and very violent. All in all art is sign of the time when comic was created, 1980's, especially when one considers this was an indie comic.

If you are looking for book about characters you wont find it here. This entire novel is a scream of sorrow, torment of a person that saw the most horrifying things done to his beloved. As such book shares the theme and execution with Mad Max, another revenge work from the same period. Same as Mad Max, Eric dies in himself and as a walking zombie decides to kill all those involved in that gruesome act. And he does it in hope he will find peace, but worst thing comes at the end, when there is noone left to punish, when one needs to accept that what is left is to live with oneself, to move on. There is no deep thinking stuff here, it is all about revenge against the forces of evil, and then finding the ways to let go.

Entire book is very heartbreaking, bitter sweet when one sees the monsters slayed but ultimately very sad, because loss in life, especially those most dear to us, is something unavoidable, and although it is deeply scarring it need to be overcome in a way that it does not end ones life. Although a lot of romantics would like us think differently, real life requires moving on.

Interesting book, recommended.… (mais)