Mezolith is a example of the unexpected breadth and variety of strips that appeared in
The DFC comic. I can't think of anything to compare it to. It might not have been immediately appealing to many readers reading the short stories in installments as even intense little fragments of a story fade from the memory over a fortnight; in book form the richly complex story builds with each chapter allowing the reader to immerse themself in the world of Poika and the ancient tribe to which he belongs.
Set 10,000 years ago, the Kansa tribe live on the western shores of the North Sea Basin. The tribe faces daily dangers both natural and (stone-age) man-made as they hunt, face death and find love. On the verge of manhood, Poika is desperate to take that final step and his rashness may endanger the whole tribe; through a series of adventures, each in its way a rite of passage, he begins to learn the wisdom and maturity of his elders. As we learn more about Poika we also get to visit the myths and folklore of his tribe.
Beautifully illustrated by Adam Brockbank,
Mezolith is not an adventure story, although there is action, nor a horror story, although there is fantasy and mysticism and the supernatural; it weaves
genre together in a blend of the spiritual and magical to create a uniquely haunting story.
Mezolith by Ben Haggarty & Adam Brockbank. David Fickling Books ISBN 978-0385618267, 1 April 2010.
Wonderful illustrations, spiced with up unique panache, and a great setup for unmatched story telling. Hope Mezolith, garners the required fan following.
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing another series, Steve.
I read Mezolith with no expectations and was surprised by how good it was.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I'd say it's one of the best comics I've seen so far this year. Amazing artwork, and stories that are brutal with no attempt to make this a feel good tale for children.
It has the kind of qualities to it that you'd associate more from a mainland European comic's publisher.
Certainly a book that can be admired by both adults and the original target audience of the DFC.