10.17.2007

SPX '07 Gems: "Breathers" #1

With another bambino on the way, I didn't splurge this year as usual at SPX. But I have to say I had a pretty good batting average in terms of picking up great books. Over the next few days, I'll share some of my favorites. So, to start, there's Breathers #1 by Justin Madson. Madson's books are best know for their melancholy moods. He has a smooth, almost airy cartoon style. And most of his works tie in elements of science fiction. In Breathers, Madson explores the lives of several characters--a door-to-door salesman, a drug-addict detective, a down-on-her luck mom, etc.--set in the not-so-distant future where the deadly air forces everyone to wear respiratory devices. The 60-page first installment (which sells for $5 plus shipping) is a wonderful start to a fascinating story. Fans of Madson's Happy Town won't be disappointed with this new five-part series.