Epileptic, by David B.
Format: Graphic Novel
Content Rating: R, for language, violence, and some generally disturbing moments.
Plot: Chronicles the author growing up in France with his epileptic older brother, Jean-Christophe, and his family's continued attempts to try and lessen the symptoms, trying everything from medication to surgery to dietary changes and more. At the same time, the author traces back his intial growth as an artist and the beginnings of his fascination with the macabre. We see how his experiences with his brother has affected his life's outlook even in young adulthood, to boot.
Thoughts: While not one of my absolute favourite graphic novels, I can't deny Epileptic is still skillfully crafted and feels unflinchingly honest--we see a lot of the negatives and positives in David and his brother's relationship. I also like the art style the author chose--the lines are deliberately expressive and shifting, allowing his fantasy narratives to blend in with his slice-of-life ones, allowing Jean-Christophe to turn from a brother to a monster and back again, and allowing for a wealth of clever visual metaphors. Definitely a work that, as good comics do, needs both the images and words to function as a whole.
[Holden Out.]
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