Sloth

July 31, 2006 | Trades

sloth.jpg

Sloth
Gilbert Hernandez
Vertigo/DC Comics
$26.99/$19.99 US (Hardcover)
*** 1/2 (out of five)

Miguel Serra is so tired of life that instead of putting himself out of his misery, he puts himself to sleep — for a year.
After 365 days in this self-induced coma, the would-be teen rock star suddenly awakens and begins to piece his life back together: his relationship with his girlfriend, Lita, his friendship with best-bud, Romeo, and reviving the trio’s band, Sloth.
The only problem is that Miguel himself has now become like the band’s namesake, maintaining a perpetually slow pace that challenges every facet of his life.
Then the story goes all David Lynch-esque (y’know the Twin Peaks guy?).
Gilbert Hernandez, co-creator of the critically acclaimed indie comic, Love And Rockets (along with brother, Jaime), uses his mesmerizing art style and storytelling ability to transform the lemon orchards in Miguel’s hometown into a place of magic and mystery.
In a complex web of allusions and ‘did-that-really-happen’ moments, Hernandez examines the complex nature of teen life, including their hopes, dreams and fears.
Sloth is one of the most visually striking and mentally engrossing graphic novels of the year.

You must be logged in to post a comment.