by Don MacPherson

24 HOUR COMICS trade paperback Recommended (8/10) About Comics Writer/Artists: Steve Bissette, Alexander Grecian, Paul Winkler, Jakob KLemencic, Matt Madden, Neil Gaiman, David Lasky, K. Thor Jensen & Al Davison Editor: Scott McCloud Price: $11.95 US The notion of the "24-hour comic" is an intriguing one to me. It's not the storytelling that interests me, but the process itself, the challenge it poses to those who practise the craft of comics storytelling. What would happen if youw ere asked to do a month's worth of work in just 24 hours? I doubt the result would be as coherent and thought-provoking as what nine creators offer here. I'm surprised editor Scott McCloud, who'se closely associated with the 24-hour comics concept, doesn't contribute his own experiment in this volume, but there's plenty in here to keep the reader interested. Fans of more mainstream fare in comics won't find what they're looking for here, though, but they will find some personal, indy-cred material that challenges the audience. Perhaps what will earn this volume the most attention is the participation of Neil (Sandman, Marvel 1602) Gaiman. Some imagery and themes in his contribution will be familiar to fans of his work, as is the unusual but personal voyage on a train of words. The problem with Gaiman's story, though, isn't the shifting subject matter and stream-of-consciousness approach in the storytelling. It's the lettering. It's incredibly minute and takes some effort to absorb. Bissette opens the book with a deliciously surreal tale of a boy who's consumed by life from the moment of his birth. The story of a twisted little man, shaped so by his bad luck and ailing body, is wonderfully comic yet tragic at the same time. Ultimately, its message is an encouraging one. Bissette takes issue with the old adiom that one is to play the hand one is dealt. The creator basically says to hell with that. Complain to the cosmos, demand something better. Rage and rant and ravage at those around you until you get what you deserve. For the most part, the stories in this book are down to earth and remarkably personal. Jakob KLemencic's sad story about trying to escape one's own life, to escape a sense of the routine, is oddly funny as well. It's also uniquely European, celebrating the diverse array of culture in that continent that's only a short trip away. Matt Madden's story of hypocrisy and lifestyle is quietly compelling and moving. I love how his main character exudes a facade of acceptance, intelligence and openmindedness, a facade that's shattered when he encounters something wholly unexpected. He really conveys the ordinary nature of some regular people who live an irregular life. Fans of slice-of-life comics, of independently spirited and avant-garde storytelling will find that this book is definitely for them. The creators explore quirks of the human condition with honesty and an unconventional mindset. Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.