Alice in Sunderland
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics |
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Reviewed by Sidra Roman
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One year, several years ago, I picked up a copy of A
Tale of One Bad Rat at a local Houston convention.
Having mostly read Archie and superhero comics up to
that point, I thought it was one of the most brilliant
pieces of literary work in the comic genre that I had
ever read. If I'm being perfectly honest, I still
think it is. So, when I went to San Diego Comic Con
next year and found out that Bryan Talbot was
presenting a panel, I was understandably thrilled.
The panel was on his work, The Adventures of Luther
Arkwright. I rushed right out afterward and found a
copy somewhere in the milieu that is San Diego Comic
Con's Dealers Room. If you haven't read The Adventures
of Luther Arkwright or A Tale of One Bad Rat, stop
now, walk away from your computer, get your butt to
your comic shop, I don't care how, and buy both of
them. And while you're there, pick up a copy of Alice
in Sunderland. I was excited about this graphic
novel when I first heard about it, and I'm even more
excited about it now! My first impression when I was handed the book at my local comic shop was that it reminded me of a D&D sourcebook in size and in binding. I had been expecting a nice squishy trade and what greeted me was a 320 page hardbound novel. Needless to say, I was suitably impressed. The cover and the quality of binding makes it look almost like a coffee table book. This thing is made for some good literary lovin'. Alice in Sunderland is not one story, but various and sundry stories on the history of Sunderland, Lewis Carroll, and the evolution of the mythos of Alice in Wonderland. This book is part history lesson, part time travel, and part magic carpet ride. The storytelling flows in a structured stream of consciousness manner. It is clear that Bryan Talbot has planned out how he wants to tell his story; the delivery feels loose and conversational. The history is told as it is relevant to the overall story rather than in linear order. This has the effect of making it feel like someone telling interesting stories at a party and unlike a boring textbook. Amid the history, there are personal anecdotes and constant connections to the modern day or more recent history. The book is very dense in words and information, but it doesn't feel overwhelming. As an American, my knowledge of English history is rather lacking. Alice in Sunderland was both educational and intriguing. I have learned a great deal from this book and I now have a mental list of things I would like to know more about. If you love history, or Alice and Wonderland at all, this book will blow you away. Similarly, Bryan Talbot's art is once again nothing short of amazing. This book is a unique fusion of comic drawing, painting, and photography. Like the layers of Alice, Lewis Carroll and Sunderland mix seamlessly in the storytelling, the three forms of art bend equally well together. It is a combination of vibrant color, black and white illustrations, sepia toned photographs, and much more. Each page is unique and beautiful. This book should be handed to anyone who says that comic books are not a legitimate art form as irrefutable proof to the contrary. Alice in Sunderland is just an amazing read. It is one of the most original graphic novels I have read in years. I highly recommend that you go order your own copy right now. If it's too late right now, then first thing tomorrow when your comic shop opens, be there and order a copy. I am not kidding nor am I indulging in hyperbole. You need a copy of this book and you need to set aside time to curl up with a cup/glass/stein/mug/carafe of your favorite beverage and begin your magical visit with Alice in Sunderland.
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